Western Australian Nature Reserve Management Plan No. 6

NATURE RESERVES OF THE SHIRE OF TOODY A Y

by

SUSAN A. MOORE ANDREW A. E. WILLIAMS IAN G. CROOK and GRAEME R. CHATFIELD

Western Australian Wildlife Research Centre, P.O. Box 51, Wanneroo 6065 Western Australia

This Plan was adopted by the Western Australian Wildlife Authority on 10 December 1984 and approved by the Honourable H. D. Evans M.L.C., Minister for Fisheries and Wildlife, on 3 January 1985.

This Plan was approved by the Bush Fires Board in terms of the provisions of Subsection ( 1) of Section 34 of the Bush Fires Act 19&4-1979 on 18 January 1984.

DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE PERTH 6000 1985 39377-1 NOTE

Since revision of the Draft Plan, and shortly prior to its adoption by the Western Australian Wildlife Authority, two of the nature reserves covered by this Plan­ Beelaring (No. 529) and Goonaring (No. 659)-have been cancelled and combined with Lot 194 to create "Morangup" Nature Reserve (No. "A" 38924). This new reserve, with an area of 930.7 ha, was declared on 23 November 1984 for the Conservation of Flora and Fauna, with vesting in the Wildlife Authority.

The incorporation of these two small reserves into the larger "Morangup" Nature Reserve will necessitate the production of a separate management plan for this new reserve. In the interim, some modification of the management prescriptions given for Goonaring and Beelaring may be necessary, in view of their incorporation into a single large reserve.

It should be noted that where this Plan refers to Beelaring (No. 529) or Goonaring (No. 659) Nature Reserve, it should be read as referring to those portions of "Morangup" Nature Reserve (No. "A" 38924). CONTENTS Page PART 1. INTRODUCTION...... 13 A. GENERAL INTRODUCTION...... 13 1. Nature Reserve Status...... 13 2. Access Classification ...... 13 B. THE SHIRE OF TOODYA Y...... 14 1. Climate...... 15 2. Geomorphology...... 15 3. Soils...... 15 4. Vegetation...... 18 5. Fauna...... 18 6. Land Use...... 20 7. The Reserves...... 20 PART 2. BEELARING NATURE RESERVE (No. 529) and GOONARING NATURE RESERVE (No. 659) ········································································ 25 A. THE RESERVES...... 25 1. Physical Characteristics and Relationships ...... 25 2. History...... 25 3. Soils and Vegetation ...... 2 7 4. Fauna...... 31 5. Past Management, Use and Fire History...... 31 6. Nature Conservation Values ...... 31 B. PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT...... 33 1. Management Objectives...... 33 2. Fire Protection...... 3 3 3. Protection from Pests: Animal and Weed Control...... 34 4. Rehabilitation and Maintenance of the Natural Environment...... 34 5. Public Use...... 35 6. Management-General...... 35 PART 3. RUGGED HILLS NATURE RESERVE (RESERVE No. 21429)...... 37 A. THE RESERVE...... 37 1. Physical Characteristics and Relationships ...... 37 2. History ...... 3 7 3. Soils and Vegetation ...... 3 7 4. Fauna...... 39 5. Past Management, Use and Fire History...... 40 6. Nature Conservation Values ...... 40 B. PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT...... 40 1. Management Objectives...... 40 2. Fire Protection...... 41

39377-2 5 Page 3. Protection from Pests: Animal and Weed Control...... 41 4. Public Use...... 42 5. Management-General...... 42

PART4. POISON GULLY NATURE RESERVE (RESERVE No. 19900)...... 43 A. THE RESERVE...... 43 1. Physical Characteristics and Relationships ...... 43 2. History...... 43 3. Soils and Vegetation...... 43 4. Fauna...... 45 5. Past Management Use and Fire History...... 45 6. Nature Conservation Values ...... 46 B. PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT...... 46 1. Management Objectives...... 46 2. Fire Protection...... 47 3. Protection from Pests: Animal and Weed Control...... 4 7 4. Public Use...... 47 5. Research...... 48 6. Management-General...... 48

PART 5. FLAT ROCK GULLY NATURE RESERVE (RESERVE No. 22096)...... 49 A. THE RESERVE ...... 49 1. Physical Characteristics and Relationships ...... 49 2. History...... 49 3. Soils and Vegetation...... 49 4. Fauna...... 52 5. Past Management, Use and Fire History...... 52 6. Nature Conservation Values...... 52 B. PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT...... 53 1. Management Objectives...... 53 2. Fire Protection ...... 53 3. Protection from Pests: Animal and Weed Control...... 54 4. Public Use and Research...... 54 5. Management-General...... 54

PART 6. BEWMALLING NATURE RESERVE (RESERVE No. 30306)...... 55 A. THE RESERVE...... 55 1. Physical Characteristics and Relationships...... 55 2. History...... 55 3. Soils and Vegetation ...... 55

6 Page 4. Fauna...... 57 5. Past Management, Use and Fire History...... 57 6. Nature Conservation Values...... 58

B. PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT...... 59 1. Management Objectives...... 59 2. Fire Protection...... 59 3. Protection from Pests: Animal and Weed Control...... 60 4. Public Use...... 60 5. Research...... 60 6. Management~General...... 61

PART 7. WATTENING NATURE RESERVE (RESERVE No. 2393)...... 63 A. THE RESERVE...... 63 1. Physical Characteristics and Relationships ...... 63 2. History...... 63 3. Soils and Vegetation...... 65 4. Fauna...... 65 5. Past Management, Use and Fire History...... 65 6. Nature Conservation Values ...... 67 B. PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT...... 67 1. Management Objectives...... 67 2. Fire Protection...... 68 3. Protection From Pests: Animal and Weed Control...... 68 4. Public Use...... 69 5. Research ...... 69 6. Management~General...... 69

PART 8. WONGAMINE NATURE RESERVE (RESERVE No. 33697) ...... 71 A. THERESERVE...... 71 1. Physical Characteristics and Relationships ...... 71 2. History...... 71 3. Soils and Vegetation...... 73 4. Fauna...... 74 5. Past Management, Use and Fire History...... 74 6. Nature Conservation Values...... 74 B. PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT...... 75 1. Management Objectives...... 75 2. Fire Protection...... 75 3. Protection from Pests: Animal and Weed Control...... 7 6 4. Rehabilitation and Maintenance of the Natural Environment ...... 7 6

7 Page 5. Public Use...... 77 6. Research...... 77 7. Management-General...... 77 PART 9. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND CON- CLUSIONS...... 79 A. THETOODYAYNATURERESERVES...... 79 B. MANAGEMENT STRATEGY...... 79 REFERENCES .. :...... 80 APPENDIX I ...... 83 APPENDIX II ...... 85 APPENDIX III ...... 101 APPENDIX IV ...... 109 APPENDIX V ...... 123 APPENDIX VI ...... 127 APPENDIX VII ...... 135 APPENDIX VIII ...... 143 APPENDIX IX ...... 144

FIGURES

1. Location of the Shire of Toodyay within the South-west of Western Australia, and its relationship to annual isohyets ...... 16 2. Geology of the Shire of Toodyay ...... 17 3. Original vegetation of the Shire of Toodyay ...... 19 4. Shire of Toodyay showing location of nature reserves vested in WAWA, towns, major road and waterways... 21 5. Beelaring and Goonaring Nature Reserves showing their relationship with surrounding lands, firebreaks and tracks (dotted and dashed lines) and vegetation for­ mations (identified by numbers, and described in the associated text)...... 26 6. Proposed Morangup Hill Nature Reserve, incorporating Beelaring and Goonaring Nature Reserves...... 28 7. The mixed FOREST of Swan River Blackbutt, Marri and Flooded Gum which flanks Beelaring Spring...... 29

8 Page 8. A lone example of Drummond's Gum on Goonaring Nature Reserve ...... 30 9. This deep board-lined well on Beelaring Nature Reserve was used around the turn of the century by stock and travellers moving between Perth and the Yilgarn gold- fields...... 32 10. Rugged Hills Nature Reserve showing its relationship with surrounding lands, firebreaks (dashed lines) and veg­ etation formations (identified by numbers, and de- scribed in the associated text)...... 3 8 11. Poison Gully Nature Reserve showing its relationship with surrounding lands, firebreaks (dashed lines) and veg­ etation formations (identified by numbers, and de- scribed in the associated text)...... 44 12. On the breakaways throughout Poison Gully Nature Re- serve stands of Powder bark occur...... 46 13. Flat Rock Gully Nature Reserve showing its relationship with surrounding lands, firebreaks (dashed lines) and vegetation formations (identified by numbers, and de- scribed in the associated text)...... 50 14. One of the stands of Brown Mallet, a species once highly regarded for the tanning properties of its bark, on Flat Rock Gully Nature Reserve...... 51 15. Bewmalling Nature Reserve showing its relationship with surrounding lands, tracks (dashed lines) and veg­ etation formations (identified by numbers, and de- scribed in the associated text)...... 56 16. The century-old ruins on Bewmalling Nature Reserve form an integral part of the reserve's nature conservation values...... 57 17. York Gum LOW WOODLAND A, with Jam locally dominant, on Bewmalling Nature Reserve-this is one of the few areas where this formerly extensive forma- tion remains...... 58 18. Wattening Nature reserve showing its relationship with surrounding lands, creeks (stippled lines) and veg­ etation formations (identified by numbers, and described in the associated text)...... 64 19. A belt of mature Paperbarks occurs in the south-eastern corner of Wattening Nature Reserve...... 66 20. Wongamine Nature Reserve showing its relationship with surrounding lands, firebreaks and tracks (dashed lines), recent fire history (stippled areas) and veg­ etation formations (identified by numbers, and de- scribed in the associated text)...... 72 21. Land releases in the Shire of Toodyay: 1831-1840 ...... 86 22. Land releases in the Shire ofToodyay: 1841-1860...... 87 23. Land releases in the Shire of Toodyay: 1861-1880 ...... 88 9 Page 24. Land releases in the Shire ofToodyay: 1881-1900 ...... 90 25. Land releases in the Shire of Toodyay: 1901-1920 ...... 92 26. Land releases in the Shire of Toodyay: 19 21-1940 ...... 93 27. The pattern ofland clearing in the Shire of Toodyay: 1941 . 95 28. The pattern of land clearing in the Shire of Toodyay: 1963. 96 29. The pattern of land clearing in the Shire of Toodyay: 1972. 97 30. The pattern of land clearing in the Shire of Toodyay: 1980. 98

TABLES

1. Rural land utilization, 1980-1981 Season...... 20 2. The nature reserves of the Shire of Toodyay...... 21 3. Summary of the nature reserves of the Shire of Toodyay ..... 80

APPENDICES

I Structural vegetation categories ...... 83 II The history of land use in the Shire of Toodyay ...... 85 Ill Bird species sighted on nature reserves in the Shire of Toodyay ...... 101 IV Bird list for six habitat types within the Shire of Toodyay, compiled by the Toodyay Naturalists' Club ...... 109 v Fauna list (excluding birds) for the Shire of Toodyay, compiled by the Toodyay Naturalists' Club ...... 123 VI Flora species list for Wongamine Nature Reserve ...... 127 VII Flora species list for Moondyne Nature Reserve ...... 135 VIII Results of a preliminary trapping program on Moondyne Nature Reserve ...... 143

10 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Two drafts of this Plan were released. The first was given to members of the Toodyay Shire Council, reserve neighbours and interested members of the local community. The Department is particularly grateful to the Shire of Toodyay and the Toodyay Naturalists' Club for organising and making available facilities for the public meet­ ing at which this first Draft was released. Several important submissions originated from the meeting and release, and many of the suggestions made were used to temper the second Draft. Valuable contributions were made by the Shire of Toodyay, Primary Industry Association of W.A. (Toodyay Branch), Toodyay Naturalists' Club, Mr Wally Chitty, Mr Sydney Cook and Mr Malcolm Butterly. Mr Jim Masters warrants special recognition for his contributions to the faunal information included in the Plan, and in particular the bird species lists. Submissions on the second Draft were received from State Government organis­ ations, including the Forests Department and Bush Fires Board, from conservation groups, such as the Conservation Council of Western Australia, the West Australian Wildflower Society, the W.A. National Parks and Reserves Association and The Tree Society, from tertiary institutions such as the Western Australian Institute of Technology School of Biology (Dr Brian Collins) and from the Toodyay Shire Council. Submissions were also received from the following reserve neighbours/local residents-Han. Margaret McAleer M.L.C., Ms Raye Paynter, Mr Hector Wood and Mr Wally Chitty-and the following from other interested individuals-Ms Betty Wellington (W.A. Naturalists' Club), Mr P. L. Ridgway (Consulting Archae­ ologist) and Mr K. Griffiths (W.A. Naturalists' Club). These submissions included many helpful comments and suggestions, a number of which have been incorporated in the final Plan.

Finally we would like to acknowledge the work of Mrs Raelene Hick and Mrs Jill Pryde in typing the manuscript.

II PART 1: INTRODUCTION A. GENERAL INTRODUCTION

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is re­ a. Key Site-Ecosystem Management sponsible for the administration of the Wildlife This is the most widely applied status, and it is Conservation Act 1950 (as amended). Through given to nature reserves containing representa­ the Act the Western Australian Wildlife Auth­ tive samples of the State's flora and fauna com­ ority (W A WA) and the Department are respon­ munities. sible for the conservation of the State's wildlife. The Department services the Wildlife Authority, b. Key Site-Species Management which is an advisory body under the Wildlife Conservation Act. This status is given to nature reserves set aside for rare species of animals and plants, or to pro­ Because the majority of the State's wildlife tect breeding sites, particularly of colonial and (plants and animals) cannot persist outside their ground-nesting birds and waterfowl. natural environment, the main conservation c. Key Site-Wilderness Management technique has been the setting aside of a system of nature reserves. This status is given to areas which have minimally influenced by man's activity and In Western Australia, a nature reserve is a re­ where such activities should continue to be serve set aside, under the Land Act 1933 (as minimised. amended) for the conservation of indigenous d. Key Site-Specified Management flora or fauna or both. Nature reserves include areas set aside solely for either or both purposes This category covers nature reserves where a as well as those set aside for a variety of other particular use may be a major management con­ additional purposes. There are I 131 nature re­ sideration, such as research areas, waterfowl serves in Western Australia, encompassing shooting areas and nature reserves with high rec­ nearly 10 million ha (June 1984). reation values.

This plan is part of the "Western Australian WILDLIFE REFUGE Nature Reserve Management Plan" series, in Nature reserves which are important reservoirs which provision is made for each number in the of plants and animals, but do not warrant desig­ series to be published as a "Draft", then as a nation as key sites, are recognised as Wildlife "Revised Draft" for Wildlife Authority and Refuges. These may contain plant species poorly Ministerial approval, and finally in its approved represented in the State's nature reserves, or the form. The main reason for producing draft man­ plant species present may complement a larger agement plans is to provide for full consultation gene pool held in other reserved Crown land (e.g. with the public and at the same time encourage State Forest, National Park). Wildlife Refuges public comment. may provide breeding sites for birds and tree­ dwelling marsupials, food sources for migratory In this plan two sets of management prescrip­ and nomadic bird species, or refuge for macro­ tions are used. The first gives a nature reserve a pods. particular status, either as a "Key Site" or "Wildlife Refuge", and the second determines the access classification of the area. 2. ACCESS CLASSIFICATION

Whole, or part, of a nature reserve may be classi­ 1. NATURE RESERVE fied as prohibited, restricted, limited, shooting, hunting or unlimited access areas (as defined in STATUS the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, as amended). In this Plan LIMITED ACCESS KEY SITE AREAS and UNLIMITED ACCESS AREAS The key site concept is based on recognition of are the only two classifications used. A LIM­ representative areas of natural and semi-natural ITED ACCESS AREA can be freely entered on environments. Four types of key site status can foot but not by a vehicle of any kind, unless be recognised: authorized by the Conservator of Wildlife.

13 This plan is in nine parts: Throughout this Plan structural vegetation PART I is divided into two sections "A. GEN­ categories follow Muir ( 1977). The only excep­ ERAL INTRODUCTION" and "B. THE tion is the broad scale map of the vegetation of SHIRE OF TOODYA Y". The former clarifies Toodyay Shire, which follows Beard (1978). the management prescription terms used in this Muir's classification system uses structural veg­ document and details the structure of the re­ etation categories, which are based on life form/ maining parts. The latter includes a summary of height class and canopy cover (App. 1). The life the biophysical attributes of Toodyay Shire, and form/height classes range from "trees >30m" of the nine nature reserves located in this admin­ to "mosses, liverwort", with intermediate forms istrative area. including mallees, shrubs, mat plants, bunch grass, and sedges. Canopy cover is divided into PARTS 2 to 8 discuss the individual nature re­ four categories: dense, mid-dense, sparse and serves. Each part is split into two sections, "A. very sparse. An example of this classification THE RESERVE" and "B. PLAN FOR MAN­ system is Jarrah/Marri WOODLAND over AGEMENT". Section A expands upon the Dryandra carduacea OPEN SCRUB over LOW biophysical attributes of the nature reserve, as SEDGES. well as outlining its history and nature conser­ vation values. Section B deals with the manage­ ment objectives and policies which will be The scientific and common names used for mam­ implemented during the currency of the Plan. mals throughout the text are according to the Australian Museum Mammal Index (Sept. PART 9 contains general considerations and 1980) and Ride ( 1980). Bird names are accord­ conclusions. An important facet of this final sec­ ing to Blakers et al (1984 ). Reptiles and frogs tion is the discussion of the management of the arc named according to the scientific and com­ Toodyay nature reserves in their regional con­ mon names given by the Western Australian text: physical, biological, historical and cultural. Museum and Coggcr ( 197 5).

B. THE SHIRE OF TOODY A Y

Toodyay is the northernmost of four Shires the long history of the Shire and of a multiplicity (Beverley, York, Northam and Toodyay) which of environmental factors which have combined to encompass the fertile upper reaches of the Avon ensure that developers have been cognizant of River Valley. It has an area of 1 683 km 2 and the values of the natural features of the Shire. supports a resident population of 1 490 people As a result conservation areas within the Shire (Australian Bureau of Statistics 1981 ). There are recognised as part of a total environment: are nine nature reserves in the Shire, all of which physical, biological and cultural. are vested in the Western Australian Wildlife The primary purpose of this plan is to set down Authority (WA WA). Between them they sup­ individual programmes for managing the conser­ port samples, though sometimes quite small, of vation values of the Toodyay nature reserves. each of the main habitats characteristic of the The plan follows the pattern established in region. Several also contain features of historic Crook ( 1981) and Crook et al. ( 1982) of treating importance and a number are used to a limited nature reserves as a group, particularly within extent by the public for the quiet enjoyment of Local Government Authorities. This approach nature and study. provides an environmental context, permitting The Toodyay area was among the first to be comparison of reserves and facilitating develop­ settled during the earliest phase of the expansion ment of complementary management prescrip­ of agriculture east of the Darling Scarp. The tions for the nature reserves in the "series". This first selections in the Toodyay area were taken system also has administrative advantages. up in 1836 (Erickson 1974). The subsequent Finally, a Shire plan is immediately applicable to progress of land development, summarised in the broader task of land-use planning, which is a Appendix I, provides a valuable historical con­ primary function of Local and State Govern­ text to the present day pattern of land-use, which ment in Western Australia and based on Local includes the areas set aside as nature reserves Government Authorities. Recognition of this ap­ and which are the subjects of this Plan. plication of management plans helps further the Compared to many other parts of the State the dual principle that nature reserves are part of the developed landscape of the Toodyay region is total environment and that nature conservation relatively mature. This maturity is a product of is a matter of interest to the whole community. 14 1. CLIMATE the western part of the Shire the plateau is based on very durable granitic rocks while in the east it The climate of the Toodyay region is overlies softer heavily weathered rocks (Fig. 2). characterised by high winter rainfall and dry, The geomorphological development of the region hot summers. The summers are occasionally re­ clearly reflects these differences in basement lieved by short periods of heavy rain of tropical material. cyclonic origin. The mean monthly maximum and minimum temperatures are 34°C and l6oC The western part of the Shire is characterised by respectively for summer. In winter they are l8°C gently undulating heavily lateritised surfaces and 5 oc respectively. (Data collected at incised by steep-sided stream valleys (Fig. 2). Northam, approximately 22 km south-east of The valleys are fringed by laterite breakaways Toodyay.) and their valley slopes are eroded to expose out­ crops of the underlying granite. These character­ Rainfall varies widely from place to place in the istics of the western part of the plateau are well Shire from an annual mean maximum of ca represented in Moondyne Nature Reserve. 750 mm in the west to an annual mean of 450 mm in the east (Fig. 1). This gradient is the result of increasing distance from the coast and Moving east, to the limits of the granitic in­ is associated with a variation from year to year trusion into metamorphic rock (principally in any one place of as much as 15-20 per cent migmatite and gneiss), the old plateau surface (Gardener I 942). persists as a series of "headlands" and isolated rnesaform hills. These are fringed by breakaways Thus the Shire straddles two climatic zones as and separated by mature valleys which are more defined by Bagnovis and Gaussen (I 957), viz: gently sloping than their counterparts further Warm Mediterranean, characterised by five to west. There arc three nature reserves (Rugged six "dry" months (in which potential evapo­ Hills, Flat Rock Gully and Poison Gully) in this transpiration exceeds precipitation) and Dry central "Hills Region", each centred on an area Warm Mediterranean, which is characterised by of higher ground complete with fringing break­ seven to eight "dry" months. ln the south-west of aways and limited portions of lower valley Western Australia the boundary between these slopes. zones corresponds roughly with the 500 mm isohyct and therefore nearly bisects the Shire (Fig. I). The Hills Region marks the western limit of the agriculturally most useful land in the Shire. The The seasonal pattern, variability and gradient of agricultural area to the east is characterised by rainfall from west to cast are the most significant undulating low hills and broad, gently-sloping factors of climate influencing vegetation growth valleys. The Avon River Valley is a dominant patterns and arc of major importance as deter­ feature of this region. Most of the land is cleared minants of vegetation types and their distri­ but two small nature reserves, Wattening and bution within the Shire. N aturc reserves such as Bewmalling, give some indication of the original Moondyne in the west and Wongaminc in the vegetation of these valley lowlands. cast, for example, have a 50-70 per cent differ­ ence in rainfall and equally distinct differences in growing periods. Moondync lies near the edge Some remnants of lateritic uplands persist in this of the Jarrah (E. marginata) forest belt while area; part of one is represented in Wongaminc Wongaminc is characterised by Wandoo (E. Nature Reserve. Wongamine also contains a wandoo) woodlands and contains a small stand small area of aeolian sandplain, a feature which of Salmon Gum (E. salmonophloia). is characteristic of the catchment of the· Mortlock River and restricted to the north-cast corner of the Shire.

2. GEOMORPHOLOGY

Geomorphic dillcrcnccs are another major fac­ 3. SOILS tor responsible for the diversity of habitats within the Shire of Toodyay. The Shire contains The soil associations in the Shire broadly follow part of the Darling Plateau which has an elev­ the patterns of geomorphology which clearly re­ ation of approximately 300m in this region. In flect the changes in basement materials.

IS On the uneroded plateau surface grey, yellow In the gently undulating terrain of the central and red podsolised or leached soils predominate. and eastern areas a variety of predominantly du­ These soils contain a large percentage of laterite plex soils occur. The amount of gravel in these gravels and have an earthy or sandy matrix. The profiles increases in the higher parts of the land­ steeply incised valleys of the plateau carry red scape. earths among massive outcrops of the basement In the north-east sandy soils predominate. granite.

Figure I. Location of the Shire of Toodyay within the south-west of Western Australia, and its relationship to annual isohycts. (Source: Australian Bureau of Meteorology, 1981, and Department of Lands and Surveys I: I 000 000 Local Authority Boundaries, 1981.)

16 LATERITES D SCHISTS

ALLUVIUM GRANITES & GNEISSES

Figure 2. Geology of the Shire of Toodyay. (Source: I :250 000 Geological Series, 1978.)

17 4. VEGETATION The three central Hills Region nature reserves (Rugged Hills, Poison Gully and Flat Rock The vegetation of the Toodyay Shire has been Gully) arc close to the north-western limit of mapped at a broad scale ( 1:250 000) by Beard occurrence of Brown Mallet (Eucalyptus ( 1978), who distinguished nine vegetation associ­ astringens). This species is either locally domi­ ations within the Shire (Fig. 3). These are, from nant or found in association with Powderbark in higher to lower in the landscape sequence, and in each of the three reserves. order of occurrence with decreasing rainfall, as follows: York Gum (E. loxophleba), a dominant wood­ land species in the whcatbelt, once occurred ex­ a. JarrahjMarri (Eucalyptus marginatajE. tensively throughout the Avon valley. However it calophylJa) forest is now represented only in minor stands which b. JarrahjMarrijWandoo (E. wandoo) are isolated remnants of its former distribution. woodland ' Flat Rock Gully Nature Reserve is the western­ c. JarrahjWandoojPowderbark (E. most nature reserve within the Shire which con­ accedcns) woodland tains York Gum woodland. d 1• Marri/Wandoo woodland Salmon Gum (E. salmonophloia) is a second d2 . Jarrah/Wandoo woodland e. York Gum (E. loxophleba) woodland woodland species characteristic of the wheatbelt f. Wandoo woodland which extends into the Toodyay Shire. An area g. WandoojSalmon Gum (E. of Salmon Gum woodland is present on salmonophloia) /York Gum woodland Wongamine Nature Reserve, on the eastern h. Mixed scrubjheathland. boundary of both the nature reserve and the Shire. The JarrahjMarri forest and MarrijWandoo woodlands occur together in the highest rainfall Several other minor woodland and forest euca­ area in the south-west of the Shire. This area lypts are found near their geographic limits in marks the north-easternmost occurrence of Jar­ the Shire. Outlying populations of Swan River rah-dominated forest. With the decline in rain­ Blackbutt (E. patens), which prefers a moist cli­ fall in a northerly and easterly direction Jarrah mate, are found on the "Springs" nature re­ forest grades into a series of more open wood­ serves, Goonaring and Beelaring. The other lands in which Jarrah and Marri arc joined by western Nature Reserve, Moondyne, carries a Wandoo and Powderbark. small population of the River Gum (E. camaldulensis) a species generally found only to Lower in the landscape sequence the close inter­ the north of Gerald ton. action of climate and geomorphology has resulted in a succession from Marri and Wandoo The succession of eucalypts is primarily the re­ dominated woodlands in the western part of the sult of climatic and physiographic changes, from Shire, to York Gum woodlands (and sandplain west to east across the Shire. heaths) in the east. These same two factors have ensured the devel­ Distribution limits of several forest and wood­ opment of a very diverse flora containing many land eucalypts accompany the successions of species near the limits of their geographic range. vegetation in the Shire. Jarrah, a species of Together the nine nature reserves contain rep­ major importance in Moondyne Nature Reserve, resentative samples of most of the flora found has a restricted occurrence as a dominant species within the Shire, and are of inestimable biologi­ in Rugged Hills Nature Reserve, and is a species cal value both individually and as a group. of minor importance in Poison Gully and Flat Rock Gully Nature Reserves, both of which are to the north of Rugged Hills. Jarrah is absent 5. FAUNA from Wongaminc, the easternmost nature re­ The wide range of vegetation types across serve in the Shire. Toodyay Shire support a diverse fauna. The Marri/Wandoo woodlands are a feature of the Toodyay Naturalists' Club has recorded 153 central part of Toodyay Shire, and it is here that bird species occurring in six different habitat the Marri reaches the easternmost limit of its types within a 20 km radius of Toodyay townsite distribution in the region. Marri is found with (App. IV). Three of these habitats, York Gum/ Jarrah in forest formations in Moondyne, and in Jam, Wandoo woodland and JarrahjMarri are more open woodland stands in Poison Gully, Flat well represented on nature reserves and therefore Rock Gully and Rugged Hills. Like Jarrah, the birds listed as occurring in these habitats are Marri is absent from Wongamine Nature Re­ likely to be similarly well represented in these serve. areas.

18 Figure 3. Original Vegetation of the Shire of Toodyay. (Source: Beard I: 250 000 series, 1979.)

. Wandoo, York Gum and Jarrah/Marri Jarrah and Wandoo 0 Salmon Gum woodland. Q. foresL ~ woodland.

Jarrah, Marri and Scrub/Heath Jarrah, Wandoo and [ill+ Wandoo woodland. ~ sand plain. ~ Powder bark woodland. Marri and Wandoo York Gum woodland. ~ Wandoo ~ woodland. rn woodland.

19 The Toodyay Naturalists' Club, in addition to also managed for nature conservation purposes. compiling a comprehensive bird list, has The remaining Crown reserves consist of small recorded other fauna sighted in the Shire (App. areas set aside for a variety of purposes and they are either unvcsted or vested in the Local Auth­ V). ority. A brief description of each of the nature reserves 6. LAND USE follows. The remainder of this plan deals in de­ tail with the individual management of these Land alienation began· earlier in the Toodyay areas and with their management as a group. region than in most other parts of the State and, although the period since the Second World War Moondyne Nature Reserve (Reserve No. A30191) has been characterised by an upsurge of new land development, there remains a readily dis­ Moondyne is the largest nature reserve in the cernible relationship between the original settle­ Shire of Toodyay, and has an area of I 991 ha. It ment pattern and present land use. One is the westernmost of the nine reserves, and is the component of this pattern is the nature reserve principal nature reserve in the central, higher series, and Appendix I "The History of Land rainfall (800-1 400 mm per year) area of the Use in the Shire of Toodyay" discusses this joint northern Darling Range between Chittering in development. the north and Mt Cook in the south. Toodyay is in the west-central part of the sheep The reserve lies about the junction of Plunkett and cereal growing belt of Western Australia. .and Sapper Roads north of the Avon River and Agricultural and pastoral activities are carried Bald Hill and about 13 km east of Lower out intensively in the eastern half of the Shire, Chittering. It is bounded to the north and east by generally on land lying east of the 500 mm freehold farmlands under cereal crops, pasture isohyet (Fig. I). On most of this land, especially and some citrus orchards, to the south by the in the Avon Valley area, the emphasis is on stock Avon Valley National Park (Reserve grazing. Some grain is grown with more than No. A30 192) and to the west by Crown land half of the area under crop being devoted to covered by mineral tenements. coarse grain production for stock feed (Table I). TABLE 1: RURAL LAND Because of its close proximity to Perth, land in UTILIZATION IN THE SHIRE OF Toodyay Shire is being increasingly sought for TOODYA Y, 1980-1981 SEASON recreational uses, including rural homesites and hobby farms. The area's scenic attractions and LAND UTILIZATION Number historic associations reinforce this demand and Active rural establishments 174 ensure a regular flow of tourists. Area (ha) Private holdings, which are predominantly rural, Crops 17 809 make up 64.9 percent of the Shire's area. Of the Sown pasture 55 486 remainder, 20.2 percent is occupied by State Balance of establishments 24 131 Forest, 6.2 percent is Commonwealth land used for army training, and the balance of 8.7 percent TOTAL AREA OF ESTABLISHMENTS is in Crown reserves of other tenures and pur­ 97 426 poses. The nine W A W A nature reserves contrib­ Crops~ ute 21 percent to the area of Crown reserves Wheat 7 563 within the Shire, and therefore occupy 1.8 Oats 2 566 percent of the Shire's total area. Most of the Barley 7 693 Government controlled land lies in the western Hay I 657 part of the Shire. Fruit 2 Vines 46 Number Stock~ 7. THE RESERVES Sheep 404 084 Cattle~ The nine nature reserves in the Shire of Toodyay Beef 6 362 (Table 2) which arc vested in W A W A form the Dairy 35 "system of nature reserves" that is considered Area (ha) under this plan of management (Fig. 4). Crown Reserves 59 073 The Shire also contains the Avon Valley Nature Reserves (W A W A vested) 3 101 National Park ( 4 430 ha) and substantial areas of State Forest (28 300 ha) parts of which are Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1981. 20 TABLE 2: THE NATURE RESERVES OFTHESHIREOFTOODYAY

Reserve Reserve Area Vested Purpose No. Name (ha) Authority

529 Beelaring Conservation of Flora and Fauna 40 WAWA 659 Goonaring Conservation of Flora and Fauna 53 WAWA 21429 Rugged Hills Conservation of Flora and Fauna 252 WAWA 19900 Poison Gully Conservation of Flora and Fauna 87 WAWA 22096 Flat Rock Gully Conservation of Flora and Fauna 386 WAWA 30306 Bcwmalling Conservation of Flora and Fauna 39 WAWA 2393 Wattcning Conservation of Flora and Fauna 40 WAWA 33697 Wongamine Conservation of Flora and Fauna 213 WAWA A30191 Moondyne Conservation of Flora and Fauna I 991 WAWA

;------\ I \ \ \ \ //" \_/"

\) 303 06

I I I I \_ I \

I I I I I _I

<"'/ \ \ ,/ ~ "---, 659 ~"' ~ I 529 1 \.-~/\ /- , I I \.. ../ l_-"" ______j _ _j

Figure 4. Shire of Toodyay showing location of nature reserves vested in W A W A, towns, major roads and waterways. (Source: Department of Lands and Surveys I :50 000 series, 1981.)

39377-3 21 Moondyne lies on a gently sloping plateau 275- approximately two kilometres east-north-east of 300 m above sea level immediately north of the Goonaring Nature Reserve, and like Goonaring, deeply incised Avon River valley, and is rep­ lies in the hilly lateritic country of the Darling resentative of the uplands of the Darling Range escarpment. The reserve has an area of 39.9 ha in this region. The soils are principally lateritic and is almost square. All the surrounding land, gravels and loams with some sandy loams par­ which is privately owned, has been cleared. To ticularly in the east, and the vegetation is the north and south the reserve boundaries are predominantly open forest with Jarrah fenced and the land is under pasture, while the (Eucalyptus marginata), Marri (E. calophylla), land to the north and west is part of the same Powderbark (E. accedens), and Wandoo (E. block as that adjacent to Goonaring which was wandoo) being the main tree species represented. cleared in January-February 1982.

As a management plan for Mo9ndyne Nature Beelaring Spring, from which the reserve takes Reserve (Crook and Evans, 1981) was approved its name, is in the southern part of the reserve, by the Minister for Fisheries and Wildlife in and is surrounded by a variable forest dominated 1981, this reserve will not be discussed in detail by Flooded Gum (Eucalyptus rudis), Marri, in this Plan. However, it will be considered in the Swan River B!ackbutt and Swamp Paperbark. concluding section of this Plan as part of the Moving north this association changes to a Jar­ system of nature reserves within the Shire. A rah and Marri woodland with a dense tall shrub species list of the flora recorded on Moondyne understorey; an association which occurs over and the results of a preliminary trapping pro­ most of the reserve. The soils are predominantly gram are given in Appendices VII and VIII red-brown loams with some laterite gravel. respectively. This information has only recently been obtained and as such complements both the Beelaring and Goonaring are discussed together work by Crook and Evans (1981) and this in PART 2 as they have a shared history and present document. conservation values and are separated by less than two kilometres. Goonaring Nature Reserve (Reserve No. 659) Goonaring Nature Reserve (with an area of 52.6 Rugged Hills Nature Reserve (Reserve No. ha) is located approximately 19 km south-west 21429) of Toodyay at the junction of Toodyay Road and Rugged Hills is one of the three nature reserves Morangup Road which pass along the southern in the Hills Region (as described in Section 2, and western boundaries respectively (Fig. 5). Geomorphology) of the Shire. This is a region The reserve is irregular in shape and is sur­ characterised by mesaform hills fringed with rounded by cleared, privately owned land. The breakaways and dissected by gently sloping val­ land to the east and north of the reserve was leys. The other two nature reserves in the Hills cleared as recently as January-February 1982 Region, Poison Gully and Flat Rock Gully, are 6 for subdivision into hobby farms. The land to the and 14 km respectively north of Rugged Hills. south and west is cleared farmland. Rugged Hills is eight kilometres north-west of Goonaring lies on the hilly lateritic country of Toodyay, and is surrounded by privately owned the Darling escarpment. The reserve contains land. It is roughly "L-shaped" and has an area of Goonaring Spring near its southern boundary, 252.0 ha. About 50 percent of the land sur­ and from here the land rises steadily to the rounding the reserve has been cleared, and only north. The soils are predominantly laterite de­ the southern half of the reserve has been ad­ rived loams, with a high proportion of laterite equately fenced. Most of the adjacent land is rock and gravel. under pasture and used for grazing sheep and cattle. In the vicinity of Goonaring Spring the veg­ etation IS mainly Paperbark/Swan River The reserve is centred on a broad plateau Blackbutt (Melaleuca preissianajEucalyptus orientated north-south and fringed with steep­ patens) forest while the northern area of the sided gullies and breakaways. The soils, which reserve contains Jarrah (E. marginata) wood­ are characteristic of the Darling plateau, range land and forest, and Marri (E. calophylla) wood­ from sandy Ioams with quantities of laterite land. gravel on the tops of breakaways, to sandy clay loams at the bottom of gently sloping valleys. Beelaring Nature Reserve (Reserve No. 529) This catena of soils supports a corresponding Beelaring Nature Reserve is approximately 17 toposequence of vegetation, from Marri wood­ km south-west of Toodyay, on the land on the pia teau surface to York Gum and Toodyay-Perth Road. The reserve IS Jam at the bottom of the gently sloping valleys.

22 Rugged Hills is characterised by a number of Flat Rock Gully is characterised by woodland woodland formations. A Marri dominated as­ and forest formations. The central plateau sociation occupies most of the higher ground, carries a Marri dominated open woodland over a and is replaced at lower elevations by dense understorey, while Powderbark woodland/ PowderbarK (Eucalyptus accedens) and Wandoo forest is dominant around the breakaways and (E. wandoo). Isolated patches of York Gum (E. steep gullies. Much of the north-western part of /oxophleba) and Jam (Acacia acuminata) and the reserve supports woodlands of Wandoo and Brown Mallet (E. astringens) are also present. Powderbark. This diverse pattern of vegetation further emphasises the landscape unit which Flat Rock Gully represents. Poison Gully Nature Reserve (Reserve No. 19900) Poison Gully is situated approximately eight kilometres north-west of the Toodyay townsite Bewmalling Nature Reserve (Reserve No. 30306) and lies midway between Rugged Hills and Flat Bewmalling Nature Reserve is situated in the Rock Gully Nature Reserves in the Hills Region north of the Shire approximately 11 km south­ of the Shire. The reserve is irregular in shape east of Bolgart and 4 km north of Flat Rock and has an area of 87.2 ha. It is surrounded by Gully. The reserve is roughly rectangular in privately owned land, most of which has been shape and encompasses an area of 39.2 ha. It is cleared or partially cleared for cropping or graz­ surrounded by cleared, fenced farmland which is ing, or both. used for grazing and cropping. Old Plains Road passes along the eastern boundary of the reserve. The reserve is typified by rolling lateritic hills dissected by fertile valleys. The soils are mainly The reserve lies in undulating country and is cut brown loams and sandy loams with varying by the Mount Anvil Gully which passes through quantities of laterite gravel. A small section on it from west to east. Loams and sandy loams are the north-western boundary has red loamy soils. the predominant soils, heavier clays being The reserve supports a combination of woodland present in areas supporting Wandoo. Several commumt1es, the dominant species being granite outcrops are located near the south-west­ Wandoo, Powderbark, Marri and Brown Mallet. ern boundary of the reserve. A population of York Gum and Jam retains a foothold in the red soil along the north-western boundary. In general the reserve is dominated by a York Gum/ Jam association which is typical of the broad gently sloping river valleys and undulating Flat Rock Gully Nature Reserve (Reserve No. hills of the eastern part of the Toodyay Shire. 22096) Flat Rock Gully Nature Reserve (12 km north of Toodyay) is the northernmost of the three Wattening Nature Reserve (Reserve No. 2393) Hills Region nature reserves. It is rectangular in shape and has an area of 386.1 ha. Wattening Nature Reserve is in the north-east­ ern corner of the Shire, six kilometres south-east of Bolgart and eight kilometres north-east of Apart from a short section near the southern Bejoording. The reserve is "L-shaped" with an corner where it borders State Forest, the reserve area of 40.5 ha. Wroth/Wattening Spring Road is surrounded by privately owned land. The passes along the southern half of the south-west­ farmland adjacent to the northern, southern and ern boundary of the reserve. western boundaries is completely cleared and used for cropping and pasture. The land adjacent to the eastern boundary retains its original veg­ The surrounding privately owned land has been etation due to the rugged nature of the terrain. extensively cleared for grazing and cropping, with the exception of a small gravel reserve near the southern corner of the reserve. The only sig­ The reserve is dominated by an extensive nificant area of uncleared land bordering the lateritised plateau and associated breakaways reserve lies to the south-east and protects the and gullies. The succession to lowland forma­ source of one of two permanent streams which tions in the north-eastern corner completes the pass through the reserve. Their flow is distinct landscape unit contained within the supplemented by water from Wattening Spring, boundaries of the reserve. Laterite gravel mixed which is located on the eastern boundary of the with sandy loams are the predominant soils. reserve.

23 The reserve is flat, with soils varying from light uncleared area adjoins the reserve to the north. coloured sands to sandy loams. Black peaty soils Roads pass along the south-western and occur in the wet swampy areas. Most of south-eastern boundaries; these are Forrest Road Wattening Nature Reserve carries a York Gum/ and Bejoording Road respectively. Jam association. The reserve contains one of the isolated eastern remnants of the laterite plateau, and is dissected Wongamine Nature Reserve (Reserve No. 33697) by steep sided gullies and breakaways. A small Wongamine Nature Reserve is situated on the area of sandplain occurs within the reserve, ad­ eastern border of Toodyay Shire, about 12 km jacent to the northern boundary. east-north-east of Toodyay. The reserve is tet­ ragonal in shape and covers an area of 212.9 ha. The soils vary from laterite based loams and Like Wattening Nature Reserve it lies in sandy clays, which support the Wandoo and undulating country which has been extensively Powderbark dominated woodlands, to reddish cleared for farming. The south-western bound­ loams which support the Salmon Gum and York ary abuts a gravel reserve, with the remaining Gum associations. Pockets of white and yellow sides bordering on privately owned land. An sands support Banksia scrub and heath.

24 PART 2: BEELARING NATURE RESERVE (No. 529) AND GOONARING NATURE RESERVE (No. 659) A. THE RESERVES 1. PHYSICAL The purpose of Goonaring was amended on 16 September 1966 to 'Resting Place for Travellers CHARACTERISTICS AND and Stock'. On 23 October 1970 the purpose of both reserves was amended to 'Conservation of RELATIONSHIPS Flora and Fauna' with vesting in WA WA. This Beelaring and Goonaring Nature Reserves, change in purpose and vesting was based on the which are only 2 km apart, are located in the following recommendation. southern corner of the Toodyay Shire, approximately 18 km south-west of Toodyay ... "they (the reserves) contain some fine townsite (Fig. 4). The Toodyay-Perth Road stands of Jarrah and Marri complete with the passes along the southern boundary of both re­ usual Darling Scarp flora. These areas would serves, and Morangup Road follows the south­ therefore make an excellent refuge for bird western boundary of Goonaring Nature Reserve. life. These two reserves are very small and could not hope to retain much of the local Beelaring Nature Reserve is almost square with fauna. However they should be preserved, an area of 39.9 ha and a perimeter of since they are on the main road and will pro­ approximately 2.5 km, while Goonaring Nature vide small areas where people can see Reserve is irregularly shaped with an area of wildflowers and birdlife." 52.6 ha and perimeter of about 3 km (Fig. 5). Both Goonaring and Beelaring lie in the hilly (Deputy Director of Fisheries and Wildlife in laterite country on the edge of the Darling pla­ litt. to the Under Secretary for Lands, 1970). teau. Since the early 1970s there has been continuing Beelaring Spring and Goonaring Spring, from controversy about the use of the land separating, which each reserve takes its name, are located in and to the north of, the reserves. Prior to this the south-eastern and southern parts of their re­ time the area, including the two reserves, was spective reserves. On both reserves the springs used by Wundowie Charcoal and Iron Industry, occupy low-lying grounds from which the land who lightly logged it. rises towards Morangup Hill in the north. The private land separating, and to the north of, At this time ... the reserves has been recently cleared and is "The area provided an excellent place to see unfenced. The remainder of the land sur­ easily a full representative sample of Jarrah, rounding the reserves is privately owned, cleared Marri and heathland bird species present in and fenced and is used for pasture and cropping. the Western Division of the Avon Valley. The partial removal of some of the forest canopy by Wundowie Industry seems to have actually 2. HISTORY improved the overall habitat for diversity of species ... as many as 80 species of birds The histories of Beelaring and Goonaring are (have been recorded) in the area." closely linked; they were both gazetted in the late nineteenth century, on 7 March 1882 and 13 (J. Masters Jn litt. to J. Goodsell, Department March 1884 respectively, for the purpose of of Fisheries and Wildlife, 1975). 'Watering and Stopping Place for Teams'. Both reserves, plus Wongamine, were set aside to pro­ In 1975 the land to the north of, and separating, vide watering and resting facilities for the large the reserves was sold to Agnew Clovgh Pty Ltd. number of bullock and horse teams used to haul At the same time concern was expressed ... supplies to the Yilgarn goldfields. During the 1930s the well on Beelaring was enlarged, " ... regarding the highly likely destruction of deepened and timbered to supply a nearby tim­ flora in these reserves should future land use ber mill with water (W. Chitty, pers. comm. of the watershed linking Morangup Hill and 1984). the reserves, require removal of the existing 25 forests and heathlands on its slope. General "Each reserve contains a spring which dis­ clearing in the area might lead to a situation charges fresh water into a stream for most of of complete salting of the swamp portions of the year. The springs are largely responsible these two reserves. Unfortunately there is for a diverse flora and fauna in both reserves. ample evidence of this, at slightly lower levels Reserve C529 (Beelaring) contains stands of along the same two watersheds shared by Dryandra carduacea, a fire sensitive species these reserves, after any major removal of veg­ which should be conserved in several reserves etation." to ensure its survival. Species of Lambstail (Lachnostachys spp.) which are rare in the (J. Masters in ]itt. to J. Goodsell, Department Darling District are also believed to occur. of Fisheries and Wildlife, 197 5). The streams from both springs contain a crus­ In a Department of Fisheries and Wildlife sub­ tacean of the Koonac group (Cherax sp.) mission to the System 6 Commi~tee in 1977, the whose species as yet cannot be positively con­ importance of Beelaring and Goonaring Springs firmed. (The area) south of the ridge, forms was emphasised, and it was recommended that the catchment of the two springs. It is believed their catchments be reserved in their natural that clearing of this area would adversely af­ state, i.e.: fect the quality of water from the springs

0 Morangup Hill

2km

Figure 5. Beelaring and Goonaring Nature Reserves showing their relationship with surrounding lands, firebreaks and tracks (dashed and dotted lines) and vegetation formations (identified by numbers, and described in the associated text). (Source: Department of Lands and Surveys I :50 000 series and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 1981.)

26 thereby reducing the biological and aesthetic proposed nature reserve). Ensuing correspon­ importance of the reserves." dence between the Ministers for Fisheries and (Director in litt. to Hon. Minister of Fisheries Wildlife, Lands, Conservation and Environment and Wildlife, 1977.) and Minerals and Energy resulted in the appli­ cant company agreeing to exclude Lot 194 from By late 1977 there was considerable concern their licence. both in the Toodyay district and within the De­ partment of Fisheries and Wildlife that the The Department of Lands and Surveys is uncleared area to the north of the reserves would presently finalising action to reserve Lot 194 for be cleared, subdivided and sold as hobby farms. the Conservation of Flora and Fauna-thereby In September 1977 Agnew Clough Ltd sought incorporating Beelaring and Goonaring into one approval for a proposed subdivision of the area. large nature reserve vested in W A W A. Approval was given only after an assurance was received that 700 ha of environmentally fragile land would be made public open space and left in its virgin state. 3. SOILS AND VEGETATION Four thousand hectares of this land was sold to Jimwa Pastoral Company in February 1981 and The soils on both Goonaring and Beelaring are clearing commenced immediately. Despite nu­ predominantly laterite-derived loams, with the merous objections by Cabinet Ministers, the proportion of gravel increasing on the higher Toodyay Shire Council and interested parties slopes. The only marked variation occurs in the through the media, all the land between the re­ low lying areas associated with the springs, serves and Morangup Hill has been cleared. where the surface soils arc more peaty in texture. Again, despite further objections, the cleared vegetation was windrowed and burnt. The dominant formation on both reserves is Jar­ rahjMarri woodland, and both reserves have The Toodyay Shire Council continued to stress areas of Dryandra thicket. The composition of the high conservation value of the catchment the forest around Beelaring and Goonaring area of the two Springs reserves. Thus, when the Springs differs significantly. A Paperbark-Swan Town Planning Board approved the associated River Blackbutt forest occurs around Goonaring subdivision in September 1983 they recognised Spring, while a mixed forest of Swan River the importance of the catchment area, by zoning Blackbutt, Marri and Flooded Gum flanks it as a reserve for Recreation. However, this Beelaring Spring (Fig. 7). classification concerned the Toodyay Shire Council ... The vegetation on the reserves can be divided into II formations, 7 of which are found on "Because of the significance of this Goonaring, and the remaining 4 on Beelaring. out-standing area there is a real concern that a Although several formations on the two reserves vesting of recreation will not provide the pro­ have similar dominant species, they have been tection considered desirable." differentiated as separate formations on the (Shire Clerk, Toodyay Shire Council in litt. to basis of widely differing undcrstoreys. the Secretary, Town Planning Board). The distribution of vegetation on the reserves is Both the Shire Council and the Department of shown in Figure 5, and described as follows: Fisheries and Wildlife felt that the conservation values of the area would be best protected by Goonaring setting it aside as a nature reserve for the conser­ vation of flora and fauna, with vesting in I. Paperbark/Swan River Blackbutt W A W A. The existing two small nature reserves, ( Mclaleuca preissiana-Eucalyptus patens) Beelaring and Goonaring, would be included in FOREST, 15-20 m in height, with Flooded this large reserve (with a total area of about Gum (Eucalyptus rudis) a less common 900 ha) (Fig. 6 ). On 21 February 1984 the Min­ cor11ponent of the upper storey. This associ­ ister for Fisheries and Wildlife wrote to the Min­ ation occurs over Blackboy (Xnnthorrhoca ister for Lands reaffirming these views. On 19 prcissii) SCRUB 2-4m, over sparsely April 1984 the Toodyay Shire Council wrote to distributed Native Broom ( Viminaria the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife juncca) to 2m, Acacia saligna to 2m, offering support. Acacia divcrgcns to I m and low sedges.

On 8 May 1984 the attention of the Department 2. Pctrophi/c semi nuda LOW HEATH C of Fisheries and Wildlife was drawn to an Explo­ over Dryandra aff. nivca DENSE LOW ration Licence which covered Lot 194 (the HEATH D. 27 0 Morangup Hill

2 k m

Figure 6. Proposed Morangup Hill Nature Reserve, incorporating Beelaring and Goonaring Nature Reserves. (Source: Department of Lands and Surveys, !984.) Figure 7. The mixed FOREST of Swan River Blackbutt, Marri and Flooded Gum which flanks Beelaring Spring.

3. Pingle (Dryandra carduacea) THICKET/ Blackboys, Snakebush (Hemiandra SCRUB to approximately 3 m, over scat­ pungens), Adenanthos drummondii and tered Blackboys and Leptospermum Calothamnus sp. erubcscens to approximately 2m. The understorey is a mixed LOW HEATH C of 6. Widely scattered examples of Flooded Hakea gilbertii, H. incrassata, Prickly Gum and Drummond's Gum (Eucalyptus Poison ( Gastrolobium spinosum), Scrub drummondii), I 0-14 m in height, over a Sheoak (Allocasuarina humilis), Wilson's recently burnt and largely degenerate Grevillea ( Grevillea wilsoni), Dryandra shrub understorey. tortifolia, Calytrix brachyphylla and Ca/othamnus sp. Isolated examples of 7. Very sparse Drummond's Gum, 10-14 min Marri (Eucalyptus calophylla) are emerg­ height, over a sparse understorey of varying ent to approximately 18 m. density (Fig. 8). Species present include Blackboys, Pingle, Wavy-leaved Hakea 4. Marri WOODLAND/OPEN WOOD­ (Hakea undulata) and Hakea marginata LAND, 15-18 m in height, over Blackboys, over Hakea incrassata, Daviesia sp. and 1-3 m in height, over a sparse understorey low sedges. including Hakea incrassata, Pingle, Prickly Poison, Zamia Palm (Macrozamia riedlii) and Leptospcnnum erubescens. Beelaring 5. Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) LOW 8. Jarrah / Marri WOODLAND/ LOW FOREST A/LOW WOODLAND A, 10- WOODLAND A, 12-17 min height, over 15 m in height, with Marri forming a minor Pingle dominated THICKET to 3m. Par­ component of the upper storey in some rot Bush (Dryandra sessilis), Bull Banksia, places. This occurs over a variable open Blackboys, Adenanthos drummondii and understorey, characteristic species include Leptospcrmum erubescens are also present Bull Banksia (Banksia grandis), Pingle, in the THICKET understorey. Sparse low 29 Figure 8. ;\lone example of" Drummond's Gum on Goonaring Nature Reserve.

growing species include Dryandra nive£1, II. Mixed Swan River Blackbutt, Marri and Wilson's Grevillea, Honey Bush (Hakea Flooded Gum FOREST, 15-18 min height, Iissocarpha) and Dnvicsin sp. with Papcrbarks to 14 m as a lesser 9. Pingle THICKET, 2-3m in height, over component of the upper storey. The understorey is variable and includes Native sparsely distributed low shrubs including Wilson's Grevillca, Prickly Poison and Broom, Acacia divergens, Blackboys, Bracken (Pteridium esculentum) and dense Hnkcn incrassaln. Occasional Marri and sedges. Jarrah arc emergent to approximately 15m. In the south-eastern corner of the reserve 10. Marri WOODLAND/OPEN WOOD­ the swamp vegetation changes to a LAND 15-20m in height, over Pingle Mclnlcuca latcritia dominated THICKET/ dominated THICKET to 3m. Other SCRUB to 2.5 m over dense TALL understorcy species include Parrot Bush, SEDGES with occasional degenerate Blackboys and Zamia Palms. Flooded Gum emergent to 15 m.

JO The System Six report includes the following tracks still lead into this area (Fig. 5), and an species as part of the understorey flora on even-aged stand of Dryandra carduacea indi­ Beelaring Nature Reserve:-Trymalium cates that this area was once cleared, and the ledifolium, Acacia saligna, Lcucopogon Dryandra have since regenerated. A deep oxycedrus and Camphor Myrtle (Baekea board-lined well still remains, and is in remark­ camphorosmae). The area is also reputed to con­ ably good condition (Fig. 9). The south-west cor­ tain a rare Lambstail (Lachnostachys sp.). ner of Beelaring is still occasionally used by pic­ nickers and overnight campers.

Goonaring still shows signs of timber cutting, and of mineral exploration activities resulting in 4. FAUNA numerous tracks throughout the reserve. ·A well-used gravel road also cuts through the Of the 31 bird species recorded on Beelaring and north-east corner of the reserve (Fig. 5), linking Goonaring (App. III), 10 species-including the the Toodyay-Perth Road and Morangup Hill. White-cheeked Honeyeater, Yellow-plumed This is not a gazetted road. Honeyeater, Barn Owl, Spotted Pardalote and Yellow Robin-are considered uncommon in the Past management has involved the construction Shire of Toodyay, and one, the Western Rosella, of three metre wide firebreaks along the north­ is scarce. western and south-western boudaries of Beelaring and northern and eastern boundaries Western Grey Kangaroos (Macropus of Goonaring (Fig. 5). A track following the fuliginosus) are present on both reserves. The north-eastern boundary of Beelaring provides a House Mouse (Mus musculus) and one of the suitable firebreak on this side, while the Perth­ skinks, Hemicrgis initialis initialis, have been Toodyay Road acts as a firebreak on the south­ trapped on both reserves. The Honey Possum eastern boundary. Goonaring Nature Reserve is (Tarsipes rostratus), plus six reptile species­ bounded on its remaining sides by Morangup two skinks (Morethia obscura, Leiolopisma Road and the Perth-Toodyay Road. trilineata), two geckos, the Wood Gecko (diplodactylus granariensis) and the Fat-tailed No specific fire history is available for either of Gecko (Phyllurus millii), a snake lizard (Delma the reserves, however, it is evident that fraseri) and the Yellow-faced Whip-snake Goonaring sustained a severe fire in 1980/81. (Demansia reticulata reticulata)-have been Beelaring does not appear to have been burnt for trapped on Goonaring Nature Reserve .. The four or five years. Western Green and Golden Tree Frog (Litoria moorei) has been sighted on Beelaring. Foxes and rabbits have been seen on both reserves.

6. NATURE CONSERV AriON 5. PAST MANAGEMENT, USE VALUES AND FIRE HISTORY

Both reserves were originally gazetted almost Goonaring and Beelaring Nature Reserves while I 00 years ago and, as natural freshwater springs, sharing many nature conservation values, also they were subjected to considerable pressures possess unique values. These have been outlined when the area was used as a watering and stop­ in Section 2, History, as they played an integral ping place for bullock teams. Both reserves part in the history of the two reserves. Additional continued to be used for their declared, gazetted values are discussed below. purpose, 'Watering and Stopping Place', until Both reserves: well into the second half of this century. "contain some fine stands of Jarrah and Marri Over this period both reserves have been complete with the usual Darling Scarp flora. subjected to a variety of pressures. It appears These areas (would) therefore make an excel­ from early aerial photography and ground sur­ lent refuge for birdlife." veys of the vegetation, that the south-western corner of Beelaring was the main area used for (Deputy Director, of Fisheries and Wildlife in watering and resting purposes. A network of litt. to the Under Secretary for Lands, 1970).

31 Figure 9. This deep board-lined well on Beelaring l\ature Reserve was used around the turn of the century by stock and travellers moving between Perth and the Yilgarn goldfields.

The following extract from recommendations for Part of the nature conservation values of the System 6 highlights another of the biological reserves results from their close proximity to the conservation values of the two reserves: Toodyay-Perth Road. They are easily accessible, and as such provide suitable small areas where "Small spring-fed streams are fairly common people can sec wilpflowcrs and birdlife. along the Darling Scarp. Some of them appear to have been isolated for a considerable time Since the recent clearing of the land between and and their present aquatic faunas arc appar­ north of the reserves, both reserves have become ently endemic. The two streams derived from important refuges as they provide food, refuge Bcclaring and Goonaring Springs are appar- and nesting sites for fauna ranging from mi­ ently important as they contain an gratory bird spectes to kangaroos. ~ach reserve underscribcd form of gilgie (Family contains a species of reptile not previously Parastacidae) .... The Springs discharge fresh recorded in the Shire-the Yellow-faced Whip­ water into streams for most of the year and snake (Demansia reticulata rcticulata) and a arc largely responsible for the diverse flora skink (Hcmiergis initialis initialis) were recorded and fauna of the reserves". on Goonaring and Beelaring respectively. (Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 1977). In addition each reserve possesses individual con­ As such the catchment area of the two springs is servation values. very important, and the recent clearing of this The unique conservation values of Beelaring area is likely to lead to a decline in water quality Nature Reserve are: accompanied by increased salinity. This will af­ fect not only the vegetation around the springs (a) A dense understorey of Pingle, a fire on the reserves, it will also lead to increased sensitive species which should be salinity in the streams to which the springs con­ conserved in several reserves kept free tribute water. of fire; 32 (b) An old board-lined well (Fig. 9) of cul­ Numerous bird species have been tural/historical significance in the recorded, of these four are known to south-west corner. This well was breed on the reserve itself. The flower­ deepened and lined prior to 1889 when ing woodland and Dryandra-dominated the Toodyay Road Board spent £120 heathlands provide an important on developing watering points on seasonal nectar source for nomadic Crown reserves (App. II). The well is honeyeaters. still in good condition, and prior to re­ The unique conservation values of cent land clearing, contained fresh Goonaring Nature Reserve are: water for most of the year. It is still used for its supply of fresh water; (a) Habitat, in and around the spring, for frogs and gilgies as well as the Native (c) Possibly, a rare species of Lambstail Minnow ( Galaxias occidentalis) which (Lachnostachys sp.); is not found on Beelaring; and (b) The northernmost known occurrence of (d) Habitat, in the area around the spring, the Triggerplant (Stylidium for numerous amphibians, most com­ crassifolium). Numerous flowering monly the Western Green and Golden plants can be observed within the re­ Tree Frog; serve, which is used extensively by the West Australian Wildt1ower 2:Jciety. (e) A mixed forest (Fig. 7) which is com­ pletely different to the Swan River Due to the many conservation values of Blackbutt/Paperbark forest around the two spring reserves, and the risk to Goonaring Spring; and these values created by recent clearing operations, they are worthy of 'Key (f) A range of habitats which make the Site...... :.Ecosystem Management' status, reserve especially important in terms of and Class "A" status under the Land the number of avian species supported. Act.

B. PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT 1. MANAGEMENT Rehabilitation and Maintenance of the Natural Environment OBJECTIVES To restore areas degraded by vehicles, to close the tracks cutting through the reserve and to The management of both Goonaring and ensure that rubbish is removed or buried. Beelaring will be primarily directed towards maintaining their nature conservation values and Public Use maintaining their integrity as viable conservation To continue to encourage passive public uses units. such as bird watching, wildflower appreciation Active management is expected to be required in and photography. the following fields during the course of oper­ ation of this Plan:

Protecton from Fire 2. FIRE PROTECTION To protect the assets of adjacent landholders and Rationale to conserve the natural values of the reserves. To Both Beelaring and Goonaring Nature Reserves minimise the occurrence of wildfires on the re­ are islands of bushland in the midst of a cleared serve and to suppress such wildfires as may oc­ farming environment. As such they are not vul­ cur. nerable to fires spreading onto the reserve from Protection from Pests: Animal and Weed Control nearby forested areas or from local control burns on uncleared farmland. Also, the small size of To protect the reserves and surrounding the reserves reduces the probability of a fire orig­ farmland from damage as a result of infestation inating from natural causes within the bound­ with animals and plants which are declared from aries of the individual reserves. However there time to time under the provisions of the are the dangers of fire originating from cigarette Agriculture and Related Resources Protection butts or matches thrown from cars passing along Act. the roads which follow the reserve boundaries, or

33 from picnic fires. Therefore, the danger of 3. PROTECTION FROM wild-fires is best minimised by maintaining firebreaks around the perimeter of the reserves, PESTS: ANIMAL AND and by excluding vehicles. WEED CONTROL Construction and maintenance of firebreaks Control of pest animals and plants may be The ex1stmg three metre wide perimeter necessary to protect fauna and flora and the firebreaks (Fig. 5) will be kept free of over­ environment of the reserves generally, and as growth. These will provide access in the case of part of the organised control of vertebrate pests fire, halt or slow down the movement of fire or weeds in the vicinity of the reserves. Arrange­ across the reserve boundaries and protect adjoin­ ments shall be made by consultation and ing landholders' fences in the case of fire. co-operation between the Agriculture Protection Board and the Department of Fisheries and No firebreaks are necessary along the Perth­ Wildlife. Toodyay Road as the road and springs form natural barriers to the movement of fire. On Adequacy of control measures Beelaring a track approximately 150 metres into the reserve, running parallel to the Perth­ As with the provisions for fire protection, reserve Toodyay Road, provides an additional barrier. neighbours and the Shire Council are invited to draw the attention of the Director of Fisheries Fuel reduction measures and Wildlife to inadequacies they perceive in the control of pest plants and animals on the re­ Fuel reduction burning is not considered necess­ serves. On receipt of such comments the Director ary at present as there is a very low probability may organise a joint inspection of the reserve of fire starting on either of the reserves and concerned or take such other action as may be escaping into adjoining properties. Also since the needed to remedy the situation. reserves have sustained recent fires there has been little fuel accumulation. However if, during the currency of this Plan high fuel levels warrant it, fuel reduction burning of parts of each reserve will be considered.

Fire Suppression 4. REHABILITATION AND Fire fighting units from the Department of MAINTENANCE OF THE Fisheries and Wildlife at Wanneroo will attend, whenever possible (subject to the limitations of NATURAL ENVIRONMENT personnel and equipment) fires occurring on, or considered to be threatening, either of the re­ Since the clearing of the land separating and to serves. the north of the reserves, they have come under increasing pressure from vehicles, rubbish Adequacy of Control Measures dumping and the removal of flora.

Attention shall be paid to establishing and Fencing and Access maintaining effective contact with neighbours. As for other reserves in the Shire, this Plan in­ Parts of both reserves will be fenced to exclude cludes the formal provision for reserve neigh­ vehicles and to discourage rubbish dumping and bours and the Shire Council to draw the atten­ the removal of flora. Gates will be provided for tion of the Director of Fisheries and Wildlife to pedestrian access and to provide access for re­ inadequacies they perceive in the fire, protection serve management vehicles. arrangements for the reserves. On receipt of such comments the Director will organise a joint in­ Closure of Tracks spection and take such other action as may be Closure of the gravel road which passes through needed to remedy the situation. the north-eastern corner of Goonaring is advocated by this Plan. All internal tracks on Notifiable Authority Goonaring will be closed, and surface-ripped to The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife shall encourage regeneration. On Beelaring, the be regarded as a Notifiable Authority in terms tracks indicated by dashed lines (Fig. 5), will be of the Bush Fires Act and Regulations in respect kept open as walking trails; all others (dotted of Beelaring and Goonaring Nature Reserves. lines) will be closed and surface-ripped.

34 5. PUBLIC USE have used the reserve in the past for the quiet enjoyment of nature may continue to do so. Passive use of the reserves for bird watching and Signs wildflower enjoyment will continue to be encouraged. However, all public use of the re­ Signs identifying each reserve and conforming to serves must remain of secondary importance to the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife's stan­ I be dard specifications will be erected on the two primary purpose of the reserves- nature conser­ reserves, adjacent to the Perth-Toodyay Road. vation. Access Classification The close proximity of Beelaring and Goonaring 6. MANAGEMENT­ to a major road, their location amidst cleared farmland and their small size makes them highly GENERAL susceptible to damage. For these reasons, both The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife may, will be declared LIMITED ACCESS AREAS with the approval of the Chairman of WA WA, and vehicles will be excluded. Access for ped­ undertake or authorise such other necessary estrians will be provided so that groups which works or actions.

35 PART 3: RUGGED HILLS NATURE RESERVE (RESERVE NO. 21429) A. THE RESERVE

In 197 5 the area was examined by Casperson 1. PHYSICAL (who was employed by the Toodyay Shire Coun­ cil, as a consultant biologist) and he CHARACTERISTICS AND recommended that the area be given nature re­ RELATIONSHIPS serve status, the recommendation being based on the following considerations:

Rugged Hills Nature Reserve is one of the three "This reserve provides an excellent example of nature reserves in the central Hills Region of the the transition in flora which occurs between Toodyay Shire. It is located to the north of the Darling Plateau and the Avon Valley. In Julimar Road, six kilometres north-west of its lower elevations Wandoo (E. wandoo) pre­ Toodyay townsite, and about five kilometres dominates while on the Plateau surface Marri south of Poison Gully Nature Reserve (Fig. 4). (E. calophylla) and Jarrah (E. marginata) are The Reserve is roughly 'L-shaped', and is 252.0 the principal trees. Powederbark (E. accedens) ha in area with a perimeter of some 8 km (Fig. and Salmon Gum (E. salmonophloia) are 10). found on the slope. At the breakaway there was evidence of small mammal activity in the The land surrounding the reserve is privately form of droppings and runways. A stone cairn owned. It is mostly uncleared with the exception was found near the breakaway at the western of that to the south-west which has recently been end of the reserve." subdivided. The topography is hilly, with the (Casperson 1977). lowest points being in the southern and north­ The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife acted eastern corners from which the land rises to a on Casperson's recommendation, and when the central, broad and flat-topped ridge spanning the grazing lease current at that time expired the reserve from east to west. At the eastern ex­ purpose of the reserve was changed to tremity of the ridge is a hill rising to some 'Conservation of Flora and Fauna' and it was 300m. vested in W A W A.

2. HISTORY 3. SOILS AND VEGETATION

The three Hills Region nature reserves, Rugged Rugged Hills Nature Reserve contains a variety Hills, Poison Gully and Flat Rocky Gully, were of soil types characteristic of the Darling Pla­ initially released around the turn of the century teau. The central plateau, which supports Marri for pastoral pursuits. Two decades later they woodlands, has sandy loams mixed with were resumed, presumably because of the stands quantities of laterite gravel. The breakaways and of Brown Mallet each area contained. At this steep slopes, which often support Powderbark time, the bark of this tree was highly valued for forest, have soils containing a very high pro­ its tannins, which were used to tan skins. portion of lateritic rock and gravel. Lower down, on the more gentle slopes, the soils change to Over the first three decades of the twentieth sandy clay loams with a smaller percentage of century Rugged Hills formed part of a pastoral gravel. These areas support Wandoo woodlands, lease, and it was not until September 1935 that while York Gum and Jam woodlands are found the area was resumed by the Crown for the pur­ in a similar position in the landscape, but on pose of 'Timber'. In the following decades graz­ reddish brown loamy soils. Where granite out­ ing leases were granted over the reserve from crops and surface rock occurs, heath is domi­ time to time, the last one expiring during 1980. nant, with Blackboys and Sheoaks emergent.

39377-4 37 Figure I 0. Rugged Hills Nature Reserve showing its relationship with surrounding lands, firebreaks (dashed lines) and vegetation formations (identified by numbers, and described in the associated text). (Source: Department of Lands and Surveys I :50 000 series and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 1981.)

3S 7. York Gum/ Jam (Eucalyptus loxophleba) Consistent with the diversity of landforms and LOW WOODLAND A, with York Gum soils, the reserve supports a variety of mainly of 12-14 m and Jam 5-10 m over VERY woodland vegetation types. These can be divided OPEN LOW GRASS. into ten associations, distributed as shown in Fig­ ure 10 and described as follows: 8. Brown Mallet (Eucalyptus astringens) LOW WOODLAND A, with an open 1. Sheoak (Allocasuarina huegeliana) LOW understorey of patches of Bullock Poison WOODLAND A, 10-14 min height, with a sparse understorey of OPEN LOW and Lcucopogon sp. GRASS. 9. Powderbark/Marri WOODLAND to 20m over THICKET to 3m of Pingle, Parrot 2. Mature Marri (Eucalyptus calophylla) Bush and Prickly Poison. WOODLAND, 15 to 20m, over THICKET /DENSE THICKET of mainly 10. Jarrah (E. marginata) LOW FOREST A, Pingle (Dryandra carduacea) growing to a 12-16 m in height, over THICKET/ height of 2-3 m. Other understorey species DENSE THICKET of Pingle (2-3m). include Scrub Sheoak (Allocasuarina humilis), Silky-leaved Blood Flower ( Calothamnus sanguineus), Zamia Palm (Macrozamia reidlei), Banksia sp. aff. 4. FAUNA sphaerocarpa, Leptospermum erubescens, Birds recorded during surveys preparatory to Parrot Bush (Dryandra sessilis) and publication of this plan are listed in Appendix Blackboys (Xanthorrhoea preissii). Patches III. Twenty species have been recorded on the of the association lack the Marri woodland reserve. upper storey. According to the Toodyay Naturalists' Club, 3. Lcptospcrmum erubescens and White which has compiled bird lists for various habitats Myrtle (Hypocalymna augustifolium) within the Shire, I 05 species occur in York HEATH A over Graceful Honeymyrtle GumjJam, Wandoo woodland and Jarrah/ (Melalcuca radula) HEATH B over LOW Marri-vegetation types which are well SEDGES. Scattered Blackboys are emerg­ represented on Rugged Hills. Many of these are ent to heights of 1.5-2.0 m. Around areas of migrant species, or species found only in the granite sheet Pincushions (Borya nitida) eastern or western parts of the Shire. However, it is expected that at least six bird-of-prey species, are common. plus the Port Lincoln Parrot, Tree Martin, Ru­ 4. Wandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo) FOREST/ fous Whistler, White-browed Babbler, Banded WOODLAND, 15-20 m in height, over "Blue Wren, Western Warbler and several very patches of regenerating Wandoo LOW common birds such as the Western Spinebill and WOODLAND A, 10-14 m in height. The Magpie Lark, would be found on the reserve in understorey is generally sparse; common addition to those species already recorded. species arc Blackboys, Zamia Palms and Mammals sighted on the reserve include the sedges (Loxocarya sp.). Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuligiriosus), Western Brush Wallaby (Macropus 5. This is a variable intermediate zone of irma) and rabbits. A brief trapping program Wandoo OPEN LOW WOODLAND A indica-ted that House Mouse (Mus musculus) (10-15 m) with scattered Jam (Acacia and the Western Pigmy-possum ( Ccrcartclus acuminata) and Sheoak. The mixed dense concinna) were present. Four reptiles-the Bob­ understorey is composed of Blackboys, tail (Tiliqua rugosa), Burton's snake-lizard Lcplospcrmum crubcsccns and Zamia (Lialis burtonis), the Western Bearded Dragon Palms over Dryandra lortifolia, sedges (Pogona minor) and the Wood Gecko (Loxocarya sp.) and grasses. (Diplodactylus granaricnsis)-have also been trapped on the reserve. 6. Mature Powderbark (Eucalyptus acccdcns) As with other nature reserves in the Shire, full FOREST/WOODLAND, 15-20 m in surveys of the fauna of Rugged Hills Nature height, in some areas forming a LOW Reserve have not been carried out, and detailed WOODLAND A of younger trees. The conclusions cannot be drawn as to the faunistic understorey is generally open, with patches values of the reserve. However the varied of Parrot Bush to 3 m on breakaways, and habitats of the reserve might be expected to sup­ Bullock Poison ( Gastrolobium trilobium) port a diversity of fauna. to 1.5 m in the gullies. 39 ible by road. As such it is important both as a 5. PAST MANAGEMENT, USE sanctuary for wildlife and as a potential area to AND FIRE HISTORY support environmental education activities. Rugged Hills contains vegetation and habitats Although this reserve was originally set aside for similar to those represented on Flat Rock Gully timber, it was never commercially exploited. and Poison Gully, the other two Hills Region Some trees were felled close to the edges of the reserves. Several valuable features of the region reserve, and their timber used for fencing. The are particularly well represented on Rugged area has, however, been periodically grazed, a Hills, including spectacular scenery of broken fence being constructed around it to contain hilly country with extensive views from vantage stock. This has since fallen into disrepair. Only points over the gullies. Rugged Hills is the only the southern boundary, where recent Hills Region reserve to contain stands of Jarrah subdivisions border the reserve, is adequately forest, a vegetation formation nearing the north­ fenced. easternmost limit of its occurrence in the Toodyay Shire. Rugged Hills also has extensive The last of the grazing leases was terminated in and quite superb tracts of Powder bark woodland. 1980, but stock still roam freely on the reserve. Brown Mallet occurs on Rugged Hills both in Control of wandering stock is of high manage­ pure stands and in association with Powderbark. ment priority on this new addition to the nature reserves in the Shire. The reserve protects the sources of three seasonal streams. A system of internal and peripheral firebreaks Birds are numerous on the reserve, 20 species was constructed in 1981, and this was upgraded having been recorded in brief surveys and many in 1982 (Fig.lO). No fire history has been more are likely to occur. The reserve is large recorded, but the structure and composition of enough to support breeding populations of a the vegetation suggest that it has not been burnt number of species, as well as providing shelter for many years. and refuge for nomadic and migratory species. The area supports a considerable population of Western Grey Kangaroos. Western Brush Wallabies are less common, favouring the areas of denser cover. 6. NATURE CONSERVATION Rugged Hills Nature Reserve is regarded as a VALUES 'Key Site~Ecosystem Management' rep­ resenting Hills Region environments and, by vir­ This is the third largest nature reserve in the tue of its greater accessibility than the two others Shire, after Moondyne and Flat Rock Gully, and of the Region, is the only one likely to receive being dose to Toodyay townsite is readily access- significant levels of use.

B. PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT

1. MANAGEMENT Protection from Fire To protect the assets of adjacent landholders and OBJECTIVES the nature conservation values of the reserve. To minimise the occurrence of wildfires on the re­ serve and to suppress such wildfires as may oc­ As with other nature reserves in the Shire, man­ cur. agement will be primarily directed towards Protection from Pests: Animal and Weed Control maintaining and enhancing its nature conser­ vation values. Active management is expected to To protect the reserve and surrounding farmland be required in the following fields during the from damage as a result of infestation with ani­ course of operation of this Plan: mals and plants which are declared from time to 40 parts of the reserve should this prove essential as time under the provisions of the Agriculture and a fuel reduction measure. Related Resources Protection Act.

Public Use Fire Suppression To use Rugged Hills Nature Reserve as a site Fire units from the Department of Fisheries and potentially suitable for environmental interpret­ Wildlife at Wanneroo will attend whenever poss­ ation, this being a result of its diversity of ible (subject to the limitations of personnel and habitats and close proximity to Toodyay equipment) fires occuring on, or considered to be townsite. threatening the reserve. In conjunction with the Local Authority and Bush Fires Board the De­ partment will encourage residents of the adjoin­ ing urban-rural land in the development of a 2. FIRE PROTECTION locally-based Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.

Rationale Adequacy of Control Measures The presence of small tracts of uncleared In this respect special attention shall be paid to bushland on the north-west and south-east the feelings of reserve neighbours and to boundaries makes the reserve potentially vulner­ establishing and maintaining effective contact able to fire from these directions. This hazard is with neighbours. As for other reserves in the reduced by their limited extent, partially cleared Shire, this Plan includes the formal provision for nature and regular grazing by sheep. Fuel ac­ reserve neighbours and the Shire Council to cumulations are negligible and are maintained at draw the attention of the Director of Fisheries a low level. Grazing may have been an important and Wildlife to the inadequacies they perceive in factor in prevention of fire on the reserve during the fire protection arrangements for the reserve. the recent past. On receipt of such comments the Director will The urban-rural subdivision of land on the organise a joint inspection of the problem and southern boundaries heightens the need for ad­ take such other action as may be needed to rem­ equate fire protection in this area. edy the situation. Fire protection of the reserve is based on six Notifiable Authority metre wide peripheral firebreaks and one internal break, also of six metre width. These The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife shall were constructed in 1981, and upgraded in 1982 be regarded as a Notifiable Authority in terms to hinder the movement of fire across the reserve of the Bush Fires Act and Regulations in respect boundaries and enable rapid access by fire units of Rugged Hills Nature Reserve. to any part of the reserve.

Firebreak Maintenance All existing firebreaks on the reserve will be 3. PROTECTION FROM maintained to ensure they remain free of veg­ etation and continue to provide rapid access in PESTS: ANIMAL AND WEED the case of fire. CONTROL

Access Control of pest animals and plants may be In addition to the maintenance of ex1stmg necessary to protect fauna and flora and the firebreaks two access points with gates will be environment of the reserve generally and as part established and maintained, one at the western of the organised control of vertebrate pests or end of the south-western boundary and the sec­ weeds in the vicinity of the reserve. Arrange­ ond at the north-eastern corner. ments for control of declared animals and plants shall be made by consultation and co-operation Controlled Burning between the Agriculture Protection Board and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. A low fuel buffer between the perimeter firebreak and the reserve boundary will be Sheep to be Controlled maintained adjacent to subdivided land in the southern part of the reserve. Burning other than Rugged Hills is unusual among upland woodland this has not been prescribed but provision is nature reserves for its long and continuing his­ retained in this Plan for rotational burning of tory of periodic grazing. The exclusion of stock

41 from this reserve, as part of the active implemen­ sideration of management remains the mainten­ tation of this management plan, will provide an ance and enhancement of the nature conser­ ideal opportunity to gain quantitative infor­ vation values of the area. mation on changes in vegetation: structure and Access Classification composition following stock exclusion. In view of these factors, the size of the reserve and its total inaccessibility to vehicles prior to Adequacy of Control Measures construction of the present firebreaks, it is con­ As with the provisions for fire protection, reserve sidered that use of vehicles on the reserve is neighbours and the Shire Council are invited to unnecessary and inappropriate except in th draw the attention of the Director of Fisheries course of management and fire control. Provisic,n and Wildlife to inadequacies they perceive in the is therefore included in this Plan for classifi­ control of pest plants and animals on the reserve. cation of the reserve as a LIMITED ACCESS On receipt of such comments the Director may AREA. organise a joint inspection of the Reserve or take such other action as may be needed to remedy Signs the situation. Signs conforming to the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife's standard specifications will be erected both to identify the reserve by name and to denote the nature of limitations to access.

4. PUBLIC USE 5. MANAGEMENT­ This reserve is suitable for interpretive use by virtue of its varied topography, diversity of GENERAL habitats and close proximity to Toodyay townsite. It offers a variety of opportunities for During the currency of this Plan the Department environmental interpretation through of Fisheries and Wildlife may, with the approval bushwalking, bird watching, enjoyment of of the Chairman of W A W A, undertake or auth­ wildflowers and the peaceful contemplation of orise such other work or action as may be seen to the natural environment. There is, however, no be necessary or desirable to properly promote the established pattern of use, and the primary con- stated objective of management of the reserve.

42 PART 4: POISON GULLY NATURE RESERVE (RESERVE NO. 19900) A. THE RESERVE

In April 1964, the reserve was cancelled and the 1. PHYSICAL Cook Pastoral Company applied for its release to CHARACTERISTICS AND amalgamate with their farm. The application was based on a recognition of the salinity prob­ RELATIONSHIPS lems which would occur if the area was cleared. In May of the same year the Surveyor General Poison Gully Nature Reserve is in the Hills Re­ recommended that the area be set aside for the gion of Toodyay Shire, some eight kilometres 'Conservation of Flora'. This was based on the north-west of the Toodyay townsite and equidis­ comparatively small area of the district occupied tant between Flat Rock Gully and Rugged Hills by reserves, and the belief that there would be Nature Reserves (Fig. 4). sufficient regeneration of the vegetation on the reserve to warrant retention of the land for flora The reserve is irregular in shape, with an area of conservation. On July 3 1964 the area's purpose 87 ha and a perimeter of 4.8 km (Fig. 11). It is was changed to 'Conservation of Flora'. surrounded by private land, most of which has been cleared or parkland cleared for farming. In Casperson ( 1975), who carried out a biological the parkland areas many of the larger trees re­ survey of the Shire, recommended that the pur­ main, but the lower strata have been replaced pose be extended to include conservation of with pasture. An area of relatively undisturbed fauna and that the reserve be vested in WA WA. woodland adjoins the north-eastern boundary of The following description accompanied the the reserve, where steep breakaway country ex­ recommendation: tends beyond its borders. "The principal plant cover of this reserve is Poison Gully lies in undulating country, which Marri and Wandoo. Although land sur­ was once forested with Marri, Wandoo and rounding the reserve has been largely cleared Powderbark but is now mainly cleared. The top­ the reserve itself contains a good cross-section ography of Poison Gully itself is varied. From an of native flora." altitude of approximately 300m in the south-west corner, the land rises towards the east On 21 January 1977 the purpose was again and north, levelling out to form a flat-topped, changed to 'Conservation of Flora and Fauna' two-pronged ridge which occupies much of the and the reserve was vested in W A W A. The re­ central portion of the reserve. The ridge falls serve was named "Poison Gully" because of the away sharply along its north-eastern side, where dense thickets of York Road Poison a large steep-sided gully is the main feature. ( Gastro!obium calycinum) that occurred in the Similar gullies and breakaways occur along the area. irregular north-western boundary. 3. SOILS AND VEGETATION 2. HISTORY Like Flat Rock Gully and Rugged Hills, Poison Poison Gully Nature Reserve was first gazetted Gully Nature Reserve is on the eastern edge of as a Timber Reserve on 21 September 1929, to the dissected Darling Plateau, in which rolling protect populations of Wandoo (Eucalyptus lateritic hills are cut by fertile valleys. The soils Wandoo) and Brown Mallet (E. astringens). on the reserve are mainly brown loams and Prior to this the land had been released, around sandy loams with varying quantities of laterite the turn of the century, for pastoral pursuits. gravel. In the eastern and northern sectors the The reserve was subsequently cut over, with the steep gullies and breakaways have more laterite good trees being taken to Oliver's Saw Mill in rock than elsewhere. There is a small area of red, Northam, and the inferior quality trees used by loamy soils on the north-western side of the re­ Industrial Extracts Ltd. serve.

43 Figure II. Poison Gully Nature Reserve showing its relationship with surrounding lands, firebreaks (dashed lines) and vegetation formations (identified by numbers, and described in the associated text). (Source: Department of Lands and Surveys I: 50 000 series and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. 19X 1.)

44 The reserve supports a variety of predominantly 7. York Gum (E. loxoph/eba) LOW WOOD­ woodland formations, the dominant species be­ LAND A, 10-14 m in height, over Jam ing Wandoo, Powderbark, Marri and Brown (Acacia acuminata) SCRUB 4-6 m over Mallet. A stand of York Gum and Jam retains a OPEN GRASS. foothold in the red soil on the north-eastern side of the reserve. The Wandoo and WandoojMarri 8. Jam LOW WOODLAND A, 6-8 m, with woodlands tend to occupy the lower parts of the scattered examples of Wandoo emergent to landscape while the Powderbark/Brown Mallet approximately 14m, over LOW GRASS. association occurs only along the steep laterite gully slopes. Pure stands of Powderbark are restricted to the tops of the breakaways. The high ground in the centre of the reserve supports a mixed Marri/Powderbark woodland. Eight formations have been identified which are distributed as shown in Figure 11 and are 4. FAUNA described as follows: Twenty-nine bird species were recorded during 1. Wandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo) LOW pre-planning surveys (App. III). Most of these WOODLAND A, 12-14 min height, with are common in the York Gum/Jam, Wandoo scattered mature examples emergent to and Marri woodlands of Toodyay Shire; less 18m. The understorey is an OPEN common species recorded were the Black-capped DWARF SCRUB C dominated by Acacia Sittela, Rufous Tree-creeper and Painted Quail. aff. pu/che/la and Zamia Palm Also, a pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles have been (Macrozamia reid/d), with a ground cover nesting on the reserve for many years (S. Cook of OPEN LOW GRASS and sedges in /itt. to Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, ( Loxocarya sp.). 1983).

2. MarrijWandoo (Eucalyptus calophylla) Mammals sighted or trapped on the reserve in­ WOODLAND, 15-18 m. over Blackboy clude the Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus (Xanthorrhoca prcissii) SCRUB 1-2m in fuliginosus) and the Western Pigmy-possum height. The ground cover is of VERY ( Cercartetus concinnus). One species of reptile OPEN LOW GRASS and sedges has been recorded on the reserve, the Common (Loxocarya sp.). Scaly-foot (Pygopus lepidopodus).

3. Marri/Powderbark (E. acccdens) with oc­ As with other reserves in the Shire, full surveys casional Wandoo WOODLAND. 15-18 m, of the fauna of Poison Gully have not been car­ over patches of regenerating Marri and ried out, and no final conclusions can be drawn Powderbark forming a LOW WOOD­ LAND A. 10-14 m in height. The wood­ on its faunistic values. land has a mixed THICKET /LOW SCRUB A understorey in which Parrot Bush (Dryandra scssilis). Pingle (Dryandra carduacea), Blackboys, Prickly Poison ( Gastrolobium spinosum) and 5. PAST MANAGEMENT, USE Lcptospermum sp. are prominent. AND FIRE HISTORY 4. Powderbark Brown Mallet LOW FOREST to I 2m, with scattered Brown Mallet emergent to 15 m. The understorey is open Apart from its early use as a source of tanning with patches of Bullock Poison. bark and wandoo for local farm use, the reserve received little management until 1977 when the 5. Wandoo WOODLAND, 16-18 m, over Department of Fisheries and Wildlife installed regenerating Wandoo LOW WOOD­ six metre wide internal and perimeter firebreaks LAND A/LOW FOREST A from 10- (Fig. 1 1). There is no road access to the reserve 12 m. The understorey is generally sparse. and it is seldom visited by the public. There are no records of its fire history except that Mr H. 6. Powder bark LOW FOREST 10-15 m, with Cook, whose family has owned the adjacent farm taller mature examples at the heads of the for many years, believes the reserve may not have been burned since a severe fire swept gullies. The understorey is sparse, with through the area in the mid-1950s. patches of Bullock Poison to about 1 m. 45 6. NATURE CONSERVATION Although much of the vegetation is similar to that on Rugged Hills and Flat Rock Gully, VALUES Poison Gully is an important adjunct to these two reserves as it is largely undisturbed. It is isolated from road access in a neighbourhood in which such areas are greatly appreciated. There­ Although the reserve is relatively small it sup­ fore despite its small size Poison Gully Nature ports some fine stands of mature Powderbark Reserve is regarded as a 'Wildlife Refuge' (Fig. 12) and Wandoo in addition to a broad worthy of key site status. The reserve owes much cross section of other woodland types and their of its undisturbed nature to a combination of associated f1ora. As the reserve has not been distance and inaccessibility from main road ac­ burnt for many years the vegetation is in excel­ cess and the protective attitudes of its neigh­ lent condition. bours.

Figure 12. On the breakaways throughout Poison Gully Nature Reserve stands of Powderbark occur.

B. PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT

1. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES Protection from Fire The management of this reserve will be directed To protect the assets of adjacent landholders and towards maintenance of the conservation values the nature conservation values of the reserve. To of the area. Active management is expected to be minimise the occurrence of wildfires on the re­ required in the following fields during the course serve and to suppress such wildfires as may oc­ of operation of this plan: cur.

46 occurrence on the reserve is to be minimised. Protection from Pests: Animal and Weed Control This plan enables reserve neighbours and the To protect the reserve and surrounding farmland Shire Council to comment on inadequacies from damage as a result of infestation with ani­ they perceive in the fire protection arrangements mals and plants which are declared from time to for the reserve. On receipt of such comments the time under the provisions of the Agriculture and Director of Fisheries and Wildlife will organise a Related Resources Protection Act. joint inspection of the problem and take such other action as may be needed to remedy the Public Use and Research situation. To not encourage public use of the reserve, with Notifiable Authority the primary management objective remaining one of the conservation of the natural environ­ The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife shall ment. To encourage non-destructive research, be regarded as a Notifiable Authority in terms subject to the approval of the Department of of the Bush Fires Act and Regulations in respect Fisheries and Wildlife. of Poison Gully Nature Reserve.

2. FIRE PROTECTION Rationale 3. PROTECTION FROM Poison Gully Nature Reserve is set in the midst of cleared and partially cleared farmland and is PESTS: ANIMAL AND WEED surrounded by a comprehensive firebreak system. As such it poses very little fire risk to the CONTROL surrounding area. The small size of the reserve reduces the probability of fire starting from Control of declared pest animals and plants may natural causes on the reserve, and this be necessary to protect fa una and f1ora and the probability is further reduced by its inaccessi­ environment of the reserve generally, and as part bility. of organised control of vertebrate pests or weeds in the vicinity of the reserve. Arrangements shall These factors account for the long, fire-free his­ be made by consultation and co-operation be­ tory of the reserve. This plan therefore provides tween the Agriculture Protection Board and the for the minimisation of fire occurrence, and ad­ Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. vocates the exclusion of fire from the reserve. Adoption of this course is encouraged by the interest reserve neighbours have shown in the Adequacy of Control Measures area. As with the provisions for fire protection, reserve Firebreaks to be maintained neighbours are invited to draw the attention of the Director of Fisheries and Wildlife to The firebreak system on the reserve will continue inadequacies they perceive in the control of pest to be maintained at its present standard. plants and animals on the reserve. On receipt of such comments the Director may organise a joint Access inspection or take such other action as may be The reserve is accessible at the south-west corner necessary to remedy the situation. where a gate will be erected in the boundary fenceline.

Fire Suppression 4. PUBLIC USE Fire fighting units from the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Wanneroo will attend This reserve is not as well suited for public use as whenever possible (subject to the limitations of other reserves within the Shire, due to its inac­ ·. personnel and equipment) fires occurring on, or cessibility. The reserve is surrounded by pri­ ·· considered to be threatening, the reserve. 1 vately owned farmland, and the reserve can only \ be reached by passing across this privately 1.. Adequacy of Control Measures owned land. No public road provides access to •,\ 11As this reserve is land-locked amidst farming the reserve. Therefore, under the existing con­ 1.land it is important that good relationships be ditions, public use of the reserve will not be \''""incd with tho ""~' n

During the currency of this Plan the Department 5.RESEARCH of Fisheries and Wildlife may, with the approval of the Chairman of W A WA, undertake or auth­ Poison Gully Nature Reserve has a long history orise such other work or action as may be seen to of freedom from fire and grazing. It has been be necessary or desirable to properly promote the lightly exploited for timber but otherwise stated objectives of management of the reserve.

4~ PART 5: FLAT ROCK GULLY NATURE RE­ SERVE (RESERVE NO. 22096) A. THE RESERVE

that the area be set aside as a flora and fauna 1. PHYSICAL reserve. Casperson's recommendation was based CHARACTERISTICS AND on the following submission: RELATIONSHIPS "Apart from the large Class A reserves in the south-west of the Shire (Nos. 30191, 30192 and 3019 3) this reserve is the largest block of Flat Rock Gully is the northernmost of the three reserved land within the Shire. The open forest Hills Region nature reserves and is situated (Eucalyptus wandoo) community represented approximately 12 km north of Toodyay townsite, on the reserve has been judged to be poorly and about 6 km north-east of Poison Gully reserved (Specht, 1974). This reserve rep­ Nature Reserve (Fig. 4). The reserve is rec­ resents the only unalienated land of this type tangular, with its longer axis running in a available for reservation within the Shire. Set­ north-south direction. It covers an area of ting aside of this area for conservation pur­ approximately 386 ha, and has a perimeter of poses would ensure the presence of a reserve about 8 km (Fig. 13). It lies in undulating large enough to retain its character and pro­ country on the Darling Plateau. vide an enduring refuge for species native to the area." The reserve is surrounded by private land, except where a tongue of State Forest adjoins the The following year, 1976, the Lands and Surveys south-western boundary. The private land ad­ Department received an application for the can­ joining the south-western and north-western cellation of the reserve and the subsequent re­ boundaries is cleared. That to the north-east of lease of the land for selection by adjoining the reserve is mostly cleared. However, there is a holders. The area was examined by a Depart­ belt of woodland remaining against the reserve mental Wildlife Officer, who recognised the re­ boundary. serve as being a valuable conservation area. His report, plus Casperson's recommendations, The reserve occupies the greater part of a resulted in the purpose of the reserve being lateritised plateau and includes areas of edging changed on 13 July 1976, to the 'Conservation of breakaways and gullies and, in the north-eastern Flora and Fauna', and the reserve being vested in corner, a succession to lowland formations. In WAWA. the south-east and south-west corners, and along the north-eastern side, water erosion has cut through the plateau forming steep-sided gullies 3. SOILS AND VEGETATION and breakaways. The reserve therefore forms a distinct landscape unit. Over most of the reserve the soils are sandy loams mixed with varying quantities of laterite Like Poison Gully Nature Reserve, Flat Rock gravel. On the breakaways and steep-sided gul­ Gully is landlocked, and accessible only through lies these become predominantly lateritic. A private property. small area in the north-eastern corner is characterised by rich, red-brown loams. A few isolated pockets of exposed granite occur. 2. HISTORY The vegetation is dominated by woodland and Flat Rock Gully was released for pastoral pur­ forest formations. The central plateau surface suits around the turn of the century. On I supports woodlands of very open Marri and December 1939 the area was resumed and was Wandoo over a dense understorey. Around the set aside for 'Government Requirements'. It was breakaways and steep gullies Powderbark be­ logged over the ensuing period. In 197 5 comes dominant. Much of the north-western Casperson in his report 'Toodyay-A Survey of part of the reserve supports a mixed Wandoo and Major Habitats Within the Shire', recommended Powderbark association.

49 2 / / / \ I \ / ".../ / 2

-"' ------\ /"' ------\ I '-/ I I \ I \ \ I ) I I

STATE FOREST No. 61

Scale

0 1km

Figure 13. Flat Rock Gully Nature Reserve showing its relationship with surrounding lands, firebreaks (dashed lines) and vegetation formations (identified by numbers, and described in the associated text). (Source: Department of Lands and Surveys I: 50 000 series and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. 19B 1.)

50 The reserve has a long history of freedom from 2. WandoojPowderbark WOODLAND/ fire (greater than 25 years) and fine mature FOREST, 15-18 m in height, over a gener­ stands of Pingle (a fire sensitive species), in some ally sparse understorey of Zamia Palms, places mixed with Prickly Poison, are a feature Blackboys, Acacia aff. pulchella, White of the open woodlands. Myrtle (Hypocalymna angustifolium) and Trymalium lidifolium. There are occasional A total of nine vegetation formations have been Marri. recognised within the reserve boundaries (Fig. 13). These arc: 3. Graceful Honeymyrtle (Melaleuca radula) HEATH A over OPEN LOW GRASS on 1. Marri (E. calophylla) OPEN WOOD­ rocky slopes. LAND, 14-18 m in height, with some Powderbark (E. accedens) and Wandoo (E. 4. Graceful Honcymyrtle HEATH A on wandoo) also present. The associated rocky slopes with Blackboys emergent to understorey of THICKET /DENSE 4 m. THICKET is dominated by three major species: Pingle (Dryandra carduacea), 5. Jam (Acacia acuminata) LOW WOOD­ Prickly Poison ( Gastrolobium spinosum) LAND B, 4-5 m in height, over Graceful and Acacia cclastrifolia. Other common Honeymyrtle SCRUB, 2-3m, over OPEN undcrstorcy species include Blackboy LOW GRASS on rocky slopes with red (Xanthorrhoea preissii), Zamia Palm soil. (Macrozamia reidlei), Adenanthos 6. · York Gum (E. Joxophleba) LOW WOOD­ drummondii, Silky-leaved Blood Flower LAND A, 12-15 m in height, over Jam ( Calothamnus sanguineus), Petrophile SCRUB, 3-5m, over LOW GRASS. serruriae, Parrot Bush (Dryandra sessilis) and Hakca trifurcata. Occasional examples 7. Jam LOW FOREST B, 4-5 m in height, of Drummond's Gum (Eucalyptus with scattered Sheoak (Allocasuarina drummondii) to 5 m also occur. huegeliana) also present. This association

Figure 14. One ol the stands ol Brown Mallet, a species once highly valued lor the tanning properties of its bark, on Flat Rock (jully Nature Reserve.

51 carries an understorey of Graceful trees can still be seen and logging tracks are still Honeymyrtle OPEN SCRUB, 2-3m in visible even though considerable regeneration height, over VERY OPEN LOW GRASS. has since taken place. Most of the land around Flat Rock Gully was 8. Wandoo LOW WOODLAND A, 12-14 m developed subsequently to the Second World in height, over Graceful Honeymyrtle War (App. II). The reserve itself escaped devel­ dominated HEATH B. Other understorey opment firstly because of its status and secondly species include Dryandra tortifolia, Hakea because of the prolific growth of Gastrolobium incrassata and White Myrtle. poison plants. This has assured that the reserve is 9. Powderbark FOREST/WOODLAND, 14- well fenced and stock are excluded. 18 m, with stands of Brown Mallet (E. In I 976, when the reserve was vested in WA WA, astringens) (Fig. I 4), I 0- I 5 m, over a vari­ perimeter and internal firebreaks were installed. able sparse understorey. Stands of Prickly Where far'mland borders the reserve the neigh­ Poison ( Gastrolobium spinosum), Parrot bouring farmers have constructed fenceline Bush and Pingle (Dryandra carduacea) oc­ firebreaks. cur occasionally. There are no records of fire history for this re­ serve. However, the presence of charred stumps, charred fallen timber and stands of even aged 4. FAUNA trees suggests that the reserve was subject to a severe fire 20-30 years ago. The mature Pingle Thirty-five bird species were recorded on the stands suggest the reserve has not been burnt reserve during pre-planning surveys (App.III). since. The greater number of species recorded on Flat Rock Gully compared to Rugged Hills and Poison Gully is a function of its greater size and 6. NATURE CONSERVATION its completeness as a distinct landscape unit. In VALUES addition to the common and several uncommon bird species which utilise the three Hills Region Apart from Moondyne Nature Reserve in the reserves, a further three less common species, the south-west this is the largest nature reserve in Western Yellow Robin, Boobook Owl and the Shire. It is large enough to retain its biologi­ Tawny Frogmouth, have been sighted on Flat cal and scenic resources, and to provide a perma­ Rock Gully. Two migratory species, the White­ nent refuge for species native to the area. winged Triller and Rainbow Bird, have also been Although logging operations have taken place in sighted on the reserve. the past, the reserve still supports magnificent open forests and woodlands of mature Wandoo, Mammals known to occur on the reserve include Powderbark and Marri, associations once com­ the Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus mon over much of western and central Toodyay. fuliginosus), the Western Brush Wallaby (M. irma), the Western Pigmy-possum (Cercartetus The distinct landscape unit of Flat Rock Gully concinnus) and the Common Dunnart Nature Reserve contains the diversity of top­ (Sminthopsis murina). The Western ography and vegetation associations which typify Pigmy-possums were caught in dense Dryandra the Hills Region. It supports a succession of veg­ carduacea stands which were flowering. Reptiles etation from upland to valley floor woodland sighted or trapped include the Western Bearded types and, with other reserves in the Shire, it Dragon (Pogona minor), Burton's Snake-lizard represents part of the sequence from Jarrah (Lialis burtonis) and a skink (Morethia dominated forests in the west, through Wandoo, obscura). to Salmon Gum woodlands in the east. Flat Rock Gully contains Marri, in one of its easternmost occurrences in the nature reserve system, as a woodland dominant. The reserve also supports 5. PAST MANAGEMENT, USE populations of Brown Mallet (Fig. 13), near the north-western limits of its known distribution, AND FIRE HISTORY and Drummond's Gum which is known from two populations further east. Flat Rock Gully Nature Reserve was heavily logged for Wandoo in its early days as a reserve Preliminary surveys suggest that the diverse veg­ for 'Government Requirements'. Much of the etation supports a rich fauna. Most notable of openness of the plateau surface appears to have the mammals is the large population of Western been induced by logging. Old stumps and felled Pigmy-possums. 52 The woodlands provide excellent sites for birds Thus, although the reserve has a long history of that utilise tree hollows for nesting. Wedge­ disturbance from logging, and the woodlands of tailed Eagles nest in one of the steep ravines and the plateau surface have been substantially this serves to emphasise the value of the reserve modified as a result, it is regarded as a 'Key as a relatively large area of natural bushland in Site~Ecosystem Management' in the nature re­ the region. serve system by virtue of its size, the inclusion within its boundaries of a distinct landscape unit, and the diversity of habitats it supports.

B. PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT

but should be continued as a factor in the active 1. MANAGEMENT management of the area. The reserve has con­ OBJECTIVES siderable potential as a site for the study of woodland successions following logging and this The management of this reserve will be wholly Plan shall provide for the continued exclusion of directed towards maintaining the conservation fire during the period so as this potential can be values of the area, and as with other reserves in assessed. the Shire will remain conservative. This Plan provides for fire protection measures Provisions for management will include the fol­ which minimise the risk of fire spreading into the lowing: reserve from adjacent bushland (and farmland), by the maintenance of an effective system of Protection from Fire natural and artificial firebreaks and barriers to fire spread. To protect the assets of adjacent landholders and to conserve the natural values of the reserve. To Firebreaks to be maintained minimise the occurrence of wildfires on the re­ serve and to suppress such wildfires as may oc­ All existing firebreaks on the reserve (Fig. 13) cur. will be maintained to ensure they remain free of overgrowth and for access in case of fire. Protection from Pests: Animal and Weed Control Access To protect the reserve and surrounding farmland Gates will be erected at the north-west and from damage as a result of infestation with ani­ south-east corners to allow access for manage­ mals and plants which are declared from time to ment and firefighting. time under the provisions of the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act. Fire Suppression Public Use and Research Fire fighting units from the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Wanneroo will attend To maintain a conservative approach to public whenever possible (subject to the limitations of use of the reserve. Research and field survey personnel and equipment) fires occurring on, or work being done by interested groups, including considered to be threatening, the reserve. the Toodyay Naturalists' Club, will continue to be encouraged. Protective Burning This reserve has not been burnt for at least 20 years, ~rid as such contains mature stands of Pingle and associated woodlands. This is one of 2. FIRE PROTECTION the only regions in the Shire where significant stands of mature Pingle are found, and these in Rationale turn support Pygmy-possums in the highest Flat Rock Gully is unusual among the known density within the Shire. With its periph­ predominantly woodland nature reserves in the eral and internal break system, and surrounding region by virtue of its history of heavy logging cleared farmland, the reserve provides an ideal and subsequent prolonged freedom from fire. opportunity to maintain the woodland and Pingle The latter has, until now, been largely fortuitous associations free of fire for long periods. 39377-5 53 Controlled burning will not be prescribed as part reserve. On receipt of such comments the Direc­ of the fire protection measures in this Plan. tor may organise a joint inspection of the reserve However provision shall be maintained for con­ or take such other action as may be needed to trolled burning of parts of the reserve from time remedy the situation. to time for the purpose of research or fuel re­ duction. 4. PUBLIC USE AND Adequacy of Control Measures RESEARCH In this respect special attention shall be paid to the feelings of reserve neighbours and to Similarly to Poison Gully Nature Reserve, this establishing and maintaining effective contact reserve is not well suited for public use. It is with neighbours. As with other reserves in the almost completely surrounded by private land, Shire, this Plan includes the formal provision for with the exception of the rugged tongue of State reserve neighbours and the Shire Council to Forest, and no public roads provide access to the draw the attention of the Director of Fisheries reserve. Public use of the reserve will therefore and Wildlife to inadequacies they perceive in fire not be provided for in this Plan. protection arrangements for the reserve. On re­ ceipt of such comments the Director will organ­ Use of the reserve for research purposes, how­ ise a joint inspection and take such other action ever, will continue to be encouraged. Depart­ as may be needed to remedy the situation. mental surveys of birds, and mammal and reptile trapping programs, have been implemented and further research on the population of West­ Notifiable Authority ern Pigmy-possums is planned. The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, shall be regarded as a Notifiable Authority in terms Access Classification of the Bush Fires Act and Regulations in respect of the Flat Rock Gully Nature Reserve. At present there is no need to declare the reserve a LIMITED ACCESS AREA as it is landlocked by privately owned farmland, and no general public access to the reserve is available.

3. PROTECTION FROM Signs PESTS: ANIMAL AND WEED Signs identifying the reserve by name and complying with the Department of Fisheries and CONTROL Wildlife's standard specifications for nature re­ serve signs will be erected at the north-west and Control of pest animals and plants may be south-east corners of the reserve adjacent to the necessary to protect fauna and flora and the proposed access gates. environment of the reserve generally and as part of organised control of vertebrate pests or weeds in the vicinity of the reserve. Arrangements shall be made by consultation and cooperation be­ 5. MANAGEMENT­ tween the Agriculture Protection Board and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. GENERAL During the currency of this Plan the Department As with provisions for fire protection, reserve of Fisheries and Wildlife may, with the approval neighbours and the Shire Council are invited to of the Chairman of W A W A, undertake or auth­ draw the attention of the Director of Fisheries orise such other work or action as may be seen to and Wildlife to the inadequacies they perceive in be necessary or desirable to properly promote the the control of pest plants and animals on the stated objectives of management of the reserve.

54 PART 6: BEWMALLING NATURE RESERVE (RESERVE No. 30306) A. THE RESERVE

1. PHYSICAL In 1975, in his report on the major habitats within the Toodyay Shire, Casperson CHARACTERISTICS AND recommended that: RELATIONSHIPS "As the availability of land within the Shire for reserves of this nature is limited it is my Bewmalling Nature Reserve, which is in the feeling such lands which are presently set north of the Shire, about 11 km south-west of aside for conservation of flora, and fauna be Bolgart and 4 km north of Flat Rock Gully vested to safeguard their existence. It is to be Nature Reserve (Fig. 4), is roughly rectangular my recommendation that the reserve(s) in and 39.2 ha in area (Fig. 15). It lies in gently question be vested in the Wildlife Authority." undulating country and is surrounded by The result was a change in purpose to farmland. Old Plains Road passes along the 'Conservation of Flora and Fauna' and the north-eastern boundary of the reserve. vesting of Bewmalling Nature Reserve in WA WA on 4 February 1977. The dominant physical feature in the reserve is Mount Anvil Gully which cuts through it from west to east. The gully carries a stream which flows in winter and spring. The land rises on each side of the watercourse to a maximum of 270m at the northern and southern boundaries of the reserve. The point of lowest elevation 3. SOILS AND VEGETATION (245 m) is midway along the north-eastern boundary where the stream leaves the reserve. Red loams and lighter sandy loams are the pre­ This altitude range of 25 m within the reserve dominant soils on the reserve, though clays are reflects the gently undulating topography of the present in areas s~pporting Wandoo (Eucalyptus area as a whole. wandoo). Several granite outcrops occur near the south-western border of the reserve.

The reserve is dominated by York Gum/ Jam (Eucalyptus loxophlebajAcacia acuminata) 2. HISTORY woodland (Fig. 17), the composition of which varies from place to place, York Gum being The present day reserve was originally part of a dominant in some areas and Jam more prolific in block of land released in the 1860s and used for others. The other major plant formation is a grazing. Over the years it was subject to a var­ WandoojYork Gum woodland but this is more iety of uses, providing grazing and water for limited in extent. Sheoaks (Allocasuarina travelling stock, and timber for farm fencing. huegeliana) arc widespread but nowhere domi­ During its days of pastoral use, two granite stone nant. The two main vegetation types are buildings were erected near the Mount Anvil distributed as shown in Figure 15, and may be Gully. (Their location is shown, on Figure 15, by described ,as follows: two small rectangles.) The ruins of these build­ ings are still clearly visible today (Fig. 16). I. York Gum (Eucalyptus loxophleba) LOW WOODLAND A/OPEN LOW WOOD­ The reserve was created on 17 April 1970 when LAND A, 8-15 m, with more mature York the owner of what is now Bewmalling Nature Gum emergent to 18 m. This association Reserve, exchanged it for ownership of the occurs over Jam (Acacia acuminata) to 'Public Utility' Reserve on the eastern side of the approximately 7 m, and a ground cover of road. Following the exchange, the formerly pri­ OPEN LOW SEDGES and OPEN LOW vately owned Bewmalling, on the western side of GRASS. York Gum is generally dominant, the road, was declared a Reserve for Flora. with Jam becoming dominant in places. 55 250 SO Om

Figure 15. Bewmalling Nature Reserve showing its relationship with surrounding lands, tracks (dashed lines) and vegetation formations (identified by numbers, and described in the associated text). (Source: Department of Lands and Surveys I :50 000 series and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 1981.)

56 2. York GumjWandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo) surveys of Bewmalling more bird species will be WOODLAND, 15-18 m in height, over recorded. OPEN LOW GRASSES. Sundews (Droscra spp.), Triggerplants (Styfjdjum Mammals sighted on the reserve include the spp.), Conostyhs profjfcra and the Spider Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus Orchid ( Caladenja patcrsonjj) are common fufjgjnosus), fox and rabbit. Two reptiles have in the ground cover. been trapped on the reserve, the Black-headed Whip-snake (Dcnjsonja goufdjj) and a gecko (Djpfodactylus pulcher). 3. Granite outcrops: lichen-covered granite surfaces with dense mosses growing in shal­ As with other reserves in the Shire, for which low soil in the hollows. Sun orchids comprehensive data on fauna occurrence is (Thelymhra spp.) arc common around presently unavailable, no conclusions are drawn these rocks. These are the "textured" areas as to its faunistic values. in Figure 15.

5. PAST MANAGEMENT, USE 4. FAUNA AND FIRE HISTORY Sixteen bird species were recorded during sur­ veys preliminary to the preparation of this Plan The reserve has no firebreaks, although a track (App. Jll). follows the north-eastern boundary. The per­ imeter fencing is in reasonable condition, and The Toodyay Naturalists' Club has recorded 87 where farmland adjoins the reserve the land­ bird species in York Gum/ Jam communities and holders have ploughed three metre wide it is expected that following more comprehensive firebreaks along their boundaries. No fire history

Figure 16. The century old ruins on Bewnwlling Nature Reserve Corm an integral part of' the reserve·s nature conservation values.

57 Figure 17. York Gum LOW WOODLAND A, with Jam locally dominant, on Bewmalling Nature Reserve~this is one of the few areas where this formerly extensive formation remains. records arc available but the reserve appears not represented in the nature reserve system makes to have been burnt for a number of years. This individual reserves such as Bewmalling es­ deduction is based on the fire sensitivity of Jam. pecially important as conservation areas. This species when burnt docs not resprout or regenerate, however following a fire new plants The history of use of the reserve adds to its grow from seed. As the Jam on Bewmalling are interest. The York Gum/ Jam woodland is a 3 m or more in height and arc therefore probably remnant of a once prized agricultural landscape, I 0 to 12 years old, it appears that the reserve has and the ruins on the south-western boundary arc not suffered a severe fire for at least this period. a valuable focus of interest and a reminder of the recent past. It is estimated that one building was constructed in the early 1860s and the other in the early 1870s. Both were built from loose rocks gathered from around the granite outcrops nearby. Today the ruins and the large exposed granite outcrops provide ideal habitat for small 6. NATURE CONSERVATION mammals and reptiles ( Fig.l6). Because of its isolation in the midst of cleared VALUES farmland Bcwmalling is also valuable as a refuge for birds, particularly migratory and transitory Bewmalling, and Wattcning to the east, are the species. Although small in size, the reserve pro­ only nature reserves in the Shire to contain more vides habitat for the Western Grey Kangaroo. than a few hectares of York Gum/Jam wood­ Size and distrubance detract from the value of land. These woodlands, which are generally Bewmalling as a representative area of York characteristic of red-brown loamy soils suitable Gum/ Jam woodland, but because of the rarity of for agriculture, were the first to be exploited these woodlands in the nature reserve system it when the land was opened up for selection. The has been assigned 'Key Site-Ecosystem Man­ limited extent of York Gum/Jam woodland agement' status. B. PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT

mise the occurrence of wildfires on the reserve 1. MANAGEMENT and to suppress such wildfires as may occur. OBJECTIVES Protection from Pests: Animal and Weed Control The major objective of management for To protect the reserve and surrounding Bewmalling is the conservation of a representa­ farmlands from damage as a result of infestation tive sample of York Gum/ Jam woodland. with animals and plants under the provisions of This objective is complicated by the long history the Agriculture and Related Resources Protec­ of grazing, particularly by sheep, and the occur­ tion Act. rence over most of the area of a dense ground­ cover of exotic grasses and other weeds. York Public Use and Research Gum woodlands naturally have a rich ground­ To continue to encourage non-destructive re­ cover of native soft grasses and herbs. This was search in woodland ecology and the use of the the origin of their value to the early pastoralists. The relatively fertile soils of these woodlands, reserve for passive recreational pursuits such as birdwatching and wildflower study. All uses will however, provides the ideal situation for a var­ remain subsidiary to maintaining the nature con­ iety of introduced weeds, and crop and pasture plants, the spread of which has been encouraged servation values of the area. by grazing. On the other hand, during the period Bewmalling was grazed, sheep helped keep weed species in check. To some degree they replaced marsupial herbivores, whose numbers and move­ ment have been restricted by large-scale clear­ 2. FIRE PROTECTION ing, exotic predators and enclosure of farmlands. Rationale Conservation is also complicated, as is the case with most nature reserves, by irretrievable alter­ Bewmalling's position as a small nature reserve ation to the natural pattern of fire. This is par­ in the midst of developed farmland helps to mini­ ticularly a problem in the York Gum/ Jam wood­ mise the risk to it from fire. Uncontrolled fire is lands where the exclusion of stock leads to the uncommon on farmland in this area and the accumulation of dry grasses. small size of the reserve minimises the probability of fires starting within its area. Its Thus, although the objective of management is small size also negates the need for strategic to conserve the woodland formation, in practice measures such as extensive firebreaks and we are dealing with a disclimax community and heightens difficulties both of control of possible a near total lack of knowledge of the dynamics of wildfires and maintenance of any mosaic pattern the system concerned. In the face of such con­ of different successional stages of the vegetation straints management needs to be conservative, by periodic controlled burning. These consider­ and linked with an actively promoted pro­ ations and the lack of knowledge of the response gramme of research in woodland dynamics. to fire of the woodlands concerned are con­ sidered to outweigh any heightening of fire risk In Bewmalling we have a small slice of the associated with accumulation of grasses and to history of early agriculture in the Avon Valley. dictate a conservative approach to fire manage­ Bewmalling is a living tribute to the development ment for the period of this Plan. of land-use, and one of the best examples of the earliest pastoral system in the Avon Valley. Its perceived value as such can be expected to in­ Construction of Firebreaks crease dramatically during the years of currency Provision is retained within this Plan for the of this Plan. construction of a minimal system of perimeter firebreaks. These should be no greater than three Provisions for management will include the fol­ metres in width and as close to reserve bound­ lowing: aries as possible. The major objectives of these breaks would be to provide access, to hinder the Protection From Fire movement of fire across the reserve boundaries, To protect the assets of adjacent landholders and and to protect the fencelines bordering the re­ the conservation values of the reserve. To mini- serve.

59 Prescribed Burning pests shall be made by consultation and cooper­ ation between the Agriculture Protection Board Fire prescriptions may be applied to the reserve and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. during the course of this Plan either as a means of reducing grass-layer fuel or to promote suc­ As with the provisions for fire protection, reserve cession of vegetation, in the one instance as an neighbours are invited to comment on option of last resort in fire protection and in the inadequacies they perceive in the control of pests second for possible research purposes. within the reserve. On receipt of comments the Director shall take appropriate action. Fire Suppression Fire fighting units from the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Wanneroo will attend fires whenever possible (subject to 'the limi­ tations of personnel and equipment) fires involv­ ing, or considered to be threatening, Bewmalling 4. PUBLIC USE Nature Reserve. Being such a small area it is unlikely that assistance of Fisheries and Wildlife Bewmalling receives little public use, but use would be of great effect in suppressing any fires may increase as the values of the nature reserve actually on the reserve at the time of a report. become more widely appreciated. At present The provision for fire suppression assistance is there is no access to vehicles and it is desirable aimed at achieving early notification of any wild­ that this should continue. fire which may threaten the reserve and to pro­ mote appreciation in the local community of the importance with which the reserve is regarded by Access Classification W A W A and the Department of Fisheries and Use on the reserve of vehicles of any kind will be Wildlife. minimised by its declaration as a LIMITED Adequacy of Control Measures ACCESS AREA. Attention shall be paid to establishing and Exclusion of vehicles is in keeping with the scale maintaining effective contact with neighbours. of the reserve and its historic significance. This Plan includes provision for reserve neigh­ Classification is expected to minimise the possi­ bours and the Shire Council to draw the atten­ bility of damage to the reserve and its artefacts. tion of the Director of Fisheries and Wildlife to inadequacies they perceive in fire protection ar­ rangements for the reserve. On receipt of such Signs comments the Director will organise a joint in­ Signs identifying Bewmalling Nature Reserve spection and any necessary action will follow. will be erected at each end of its frontage to Old Plains Road. These and such other signs as may Notifiable Authority be required to guide use patterns will comply The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife shall with the Departmental Signs Standard. be regarded as a Notifiable Authority in terms of the Bush Fires Act and regulations in respect of Bewmalling Nature Reserve.

5.RESEARCH 3. PROTECTION FROM Research, whether by amateur or professional individuals, or groups, which furthers the PESTS: ANIMAL AND WEED objectives of management, will be encouraged under this Plan. Research involving observation CONTROL alone, in which no associated activity contra­ venes the Wildlife Conservation Regulations or Control of pest animals and plants may be provisions of this Plan, will require no special necessary to protect fauna and flora and the permission from the Department of Fisheries general reserve environment, and as part of and Wildlife. Experimental or other research in­ organised control of vertebrate pests or weeds in volving manipulation of wildlife or the natural the vicinity of the reserve. Arrangements for the environment requires authorisation from the De­ organised control of declared plant and animal partment of Fisheries and Wildlife.

60 6. MANAGEMENT­ GENERAL

During the currency of this Plan the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife may, with the approval of the Chairman of W A W A, undertake or auth­ orise such other work or action as may be seen to be necessary or desirable to properly promote the stated objectives of management of the reserve.

61 PART 7: WATTENING NATURE RESERVE (RESERVE NO. 2393) A. THE RESERVE

1. PHYSICAL 2. HISTORY

CHARACTERISTICS AND Wattening Nature Reserve was initially set aside RELATIONSHIPS for the purpose of 'Public Utility' on 28 September 1893. This was one of five nature reserves in the Toodyay Shire originally set aside Wattening Nature Reserve is situated in the to provide watering and resting facilities for bull­ north-eastern corner of the Shire, 6.5 km ock and horse teams. Of the five, three were south-east of Bolgart and 8.3 km north-east of originally designated as 'Watering and Stopping Bejoording (Fig. 4.). Wroth Road/Wattening Places', and two, including Wattening, for Spring Road passes along the southern half of 'Public Utility'. They all served the same pur­ the reserve's south-western boundary, and a pri­ poses but those on the northern stock route were vate road follows the south-eastern boundary. gazetted with a more generalised purpose than the ones on the heavily used approach to the eastern goldfields. The reserve is 'L-shaped' with an area of 40.5 ha and a perimeter of approximately 3.1 km (Fig. The purpose of Wattening remained unchanged 18). The reserve lies in gently undulating until Casperson (197 5), in his report on the country which has been extensively cleared for major habitats within the Shire, recommended farming. Apart from a small gravel reserve near that the area be set aside for the 'Conservation of the southern corner, the surrounding land is pri­ Flora and Fauna' and be vested in W A W A. His vately owned. report was based on the following recommendation: "This reserve is unique amongst the reserves The area is remarkable in that it retains a supply within the Shire. Located in the north-eastern of fresh water throughout the year. Two perma­ part of the Shire it is the only piece of land nent streams pass through the reserve, one from available for reservation in this area. The the north-east and the other from the south-east. surrounding sandplains have been cleared and These eventually join up to the west of the re­ the only remaining native flora is in road serve and form one of the tributaries of Toodyay verges and this particular reserve. Long term Brook. Their flow is supplemented with water viability of flora in the road verges is doubtful from Wattening Spring which is located on the therefore the setting aside of this reserve for eastern boundary of the reserve. A perennial conservation purposes would ensure that this swampy soak, just to the east of the reserve, small pocket would persist. Principal trees in provides water during the winter months. the reserve are Casuarina spp, Flooded Gum (Eucalyptus rudis) and York Gum (E. loxophleba). The reserve is at the headwaters The only uncleared land bordering the reserve is of Wattening Brook. On the banks of the to the south-east and protects the headwaters of stream are thick stands of bullrushes (Typha) one of the streams. This area was partially and the. stream, although very narrow and cleared about 20 years ago and has since shallow supports a large crayfish population as regenerated to support a dense Acorn Banksia evident by their numerous excavations and re­ (Banksia prionotes) woodland. mains. Remains submitted to Mr Brenton Knotts (Senior Demonstrator, Dept. of Zo­ The reserve is relatively flat, with less than a ology, U. of W.A.) were not recognised as 10 m variation in altitude throughout. A slight being characteristic of the common varieties depression occupies the centre of the reserve, of crayfish. As the survival of these crayfish is with higher ground towards the northern and dependent upon the small stream it is a matter southern ends. of priority that they be identified and their 63 Figure 18. Wattening Nature Reserve showing its relationship with surrounding lands, creeks (stippled lines) and vegetation formations (identified by numbers, and described in the associated text). (Source: Department of Lands and Surveys 1:50 000 series and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 1981.)

64 status assessed. The isolated nature of this 18 m. This association occurs over an open population and its dependence upon the understorey, with a few areas of DENSE stream which originates from this reserve LOW SEDGES. make its reservation crucial to their survival." Between this association and the Casuarina LOW FOREST there is a belt of mature Casperson's recommendations resulted in the Swamp Paperbarks (Melaleuca purpose of the reserve being changed to rhaphiophylla), I 0-12 m in height (Fig. 'Conservation of Flora and Fauna' and it being 19). vested in W A W A. 6. OPEN LOW GRASS on sandy soil, with a few York Gums and Acorn Banksia trees. This association is an extension of the 3. SOILS AND VEGETATION dense stand of Acorn Banksia which was described earlier. The OPEN LOW Soils vary from light coloured sands to sandy GRASS association has been heavily loams. The lack of differentiation in soils on this grazed. reserve reflects the uniformity of the topography. Black, peat-like soils occur in the lower-lying wet 7. Seasonal OPEN LOW GRASS which is and swampy areas. used for grazing. This is the dominant as­ sociation in the adjacent privately owned Most of the reserve, with its sandy to sandy loam land. Area 7 is a limited extension into the soils, supports York Gum (Eucalyptus reserve of this vegetation. loxophleba) and Jam (Acacia acuminata) associ­ ations. Swamp Sheoak ( Casuarina obesa) LOW FOREST dominates the edges of waterways and lower lying areas. A further five vegetation as­ 4. FAUNA sociations, all of limited extent, occur within the reserve boundaries (Fig. 18). The following Systematic surveys of the fauna of Wattening detailed descriptions apply: have not been carried out. A bird species list 1. Swamp Sheoak ( Casuarina obesa) LOW (App. I I I) has been compiled from opportunistic FOREST A, 10-16 m in height, over dry observations made by a number of people. Thir­ LOW GRASS. Where swampy conditions teen species have been recorded in this way and persist along the watercourses dense stands the reserve undoubtedly provides refuge and a of Bull rush (Typha angustifolium) and source of fresh water for many more. TALL SEDGES often form a dense understorey. Similarly to other reserves in the Shire, a limited trapping program has been implemented, and 2. York Gum (Eucalyptus loxophleba) LOW sight records made, on Wattening Nature Re­ WOODLAND A/OPEN LOW WOOD­ serve. Species trapped include three reptiles: a LAND A, 8-15 m, over Jam (Acacia skink (Menetia greyii), a legless lizard (Delma acuminata), 5-12 m over dry LOW fraseri) and Burton's Snake-Lizard (Lialis GRASS. In places Hakea obliqua forms an burtonis); and two amphibians, the Western intermediate shrub understorey to Green and Golden Tree Frog (Litoria moorei) approximately 3m. Swamp Sheoak be­ and a froglet (Ranidella pseudinsignifera). The comes a component of this association Euro (Macropus robustus) plus exotic species along poorly defined seasonal drainage such as rabbits and foxes have been sighted. lines. Small unidentified fish and an unidentified 3. Tamma (Allocasuarina compestris) species of crayfish occur in the two freshwater THICKET /DENSE THICKET, 2-3m, streams and frogs are numerous in the damp over OPEN LOW SEDGES and OPEN areas. LOW GRASS. Scattered Jam are emerg­ ent to 8 m throughout. 4. OPEN LOW' GRASS and scattered clumps of LOW SEDGES with some dead 5. PAST MANAGEMENT, USE Swamp Sheoak emergent to approximately AND FIRE HISTORY 10 m. This area, which is swampy in win­ ter, appears to have been heavily grazed. The Wattening 'Public Utility' reserve appears 5. Flooded Gum (Eucalyptus rudis) LOW to have been heavily used during both its early FOREST A, 10-15 min height, with a few and latter days. In the early days a stone lined trees adjacent to the swamp emergent to well was built at the source of Wattening

65 Springs and would certainly have been well The reserve is being used for its valuable perma­ known as a reliable source of water for bullock nent water supply, as water is being drawn off and horse teams following the northern stock the reserve for stock. A pump is located on the route. A building site in a clearing among the south-eastern boundary where one of the two Flooded Gums appears to have originated during permanent streams enters the reserve. this period. There is widespread evidence of old and more recent timber cutting, particularly of No accurate fire history records exist for the Jam trees for fencing, and there are a number of reserve, but examination of the vegetation indi­ disused vehicle tracks still clearly visible. There cates that it has not been burnt for some years. is also a small gravel pit located near the This conclusion is supported by Wattening's southern corner of the reserve. The reserve has position in the midst of farmland which has been been used for grazing until quite recently and cleared for many years. Isolated as it is in long neighbours are still adjusting to the 1 change of established agricultural/pastoral land there has status. not recently been the problem of fires escaping

Figure 19. A belt of mature Paper barks occurs in the south-eastern corner of Wattening Nature Reserve

66 from clearing operations, or of high intensity The York Gum woodland on the reserve is un­ fires extending through extensive tracts of usual in that it has become established on a bushland. Farmer's firebreaks along the sandy soil, rather than on the typical loamy York north-western and north-eastern boundaries are Gum substrate. The York Gum association is the only fire protection measures in existence. probably successfully utilising this habitat due to the presence of a permanent water supply, which must compensate to some extent for the poor water holding capacity and low nutrient status of 6. NATURE CONSERVATION the sandy soil. It is important therefore, that VALUES water quality and quantity are maintained. Despite the disturbed nature of the vegetation on Wattening is the only nature reserve in the the reserve, Wattening is considered of sufficient north-eastern quadrat of the Toodyay Shire. value to be afforded 'Wildlife Refuge' status in And, as it has an ample supply of permanent the Western Australian system of nature re­ fresh water and good woodland cover, it has the serves. potential to provide a valuable refuge for nomadic birds and for a variety of permanent In addition to the purely faunistic and floristic resident bird species, small mammals and rep­ values of Wattening, its place in. the history of tiles. The known vertebrate fauna of 13 birds, at the region is appreciated. Within the context of least 3 reptiles and 2 amphibians, would be con­ this Plan the nature conservation values of this siderably extended by further more intensive sur­ reserve are a product of interactions between vey. These values are unaffected by the high human and natural processes. Therefore, a com­ level of disturbance of the vegetation, the bination of past .human influences and the product of more than I 00 years of European use, existing natural features form the basis of any and a considerably longer period of use by Abor­ management decisions, and the human artefacts igines. Most of the past use would have been that remain are part of the evolved reserve en­ centred around the area's water resources. vironment.

B. PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT

1. MANAGEMENT Protection from fire To protect the assets of adjacent landholders and OBJECTIVES at the same time protect the natural values of the reserve. To minimise the risk of occurrence of wildfires on the reserve and to suppress such The primary objective of management for wildfires as may occur. Wattening Nature Reserve is the conservation of a representative sample of a once extensive, and Protection from Pests: Animal and weed control now very limited, vegetation complex and its To protect the reserve and surrounding associated fauna. Included with this objective is farmlands from damage as a result of infestation the conservation of the aquatic habitats with such plants and animals as may be declared represented and the historic values of the reserve from time to time under the provisions of the as a whole. The reserve has a very high conser­ Agriculture and Related Resources Protection vation value due to the extensive stand of York Act. Gum woodland, an association which has been poorly reserved, both within Toodyay Shire and Public Use and Research throughout the State as a whole. This includes To continue to encourage passive use of the re­ the pure stands of Swamp Sheoak LOW FOR­ serve for bird-watching and wildflower study EST, an association found on no other nature with both uses remammg subsidiary to reserve within the Shire. maintaining the nature conservation values of the area. To use the area's long history of dis­ Active management is expected to be required in turbance as a valuable background for the study the following fields during the course of oper­ of the effective conservation of small areas of ation of this plan: lowland woodlands.

67 protection arrangements. On receipt of such 2. FIRE PROTECTION comments the Director will organise a joint in­ spection of the problem and take such other ac­ Rationale tion as may be needed to remedy the situation. The position of a small nature reserve such as Wattening in the midst of a long-established Notifiable Authority farming landscape minimises the probability of fires escaping onto the reserve. Being a small The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife shall reserve the likelihood of a fire starting from be regarded as a Notifiable Authority in terms natural causes within its boundaries and spread­ of the Bush Fires Act and Regulations in respect ing to damage adjoining farmland is also low. of Wattening Nature Reserve. Finally, the extensive system of waterways is a natural, maintenance-free barrier to bushfires.

Firebreak Construction For these reasons there is no immediate need to undertake firebreak construction or any such 3. PROTECTION FROM other active measures for fire protection which would further disrupt the qualities of the natural PESTS: ANIMAL AND WEED environment. CONTROL Provision is, however, retained in this Plan for the construction of three metre wide breaks Control of pest animals and plants may be along all reserve boundaries with the exception necessary to protect fauna and flora and the of the south-eastern boundary and southern half environment of the reserve generally, and as part of the south-western boundary where adjacent of the organised control of vertebrate pests or roads form suitable firebreaks. weeds in the vicinity of the reserve. Arrange­ ments for control of declared animals and plants Fire Suppression shall be made by consultation and co-operation Fire fighting units from the Department's base between the Agriculture Protection Board and at Wanneroo will, where possible (subject to the the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. limitations of personnel and equipment) attend fires occurring on, or considered to be threaten­ Grazing on the reserve ing, the reserve. At the time of drafting this Plan fencing around the reserve was inadequate and livestock were Protective burning grazing on the reserve. Although the presence of Effective fuel levels on the nature reserve are stock on the reserve is limiting fuel accumulation very low and are kept low by grazing. There is no particularly from the growth of weeds, it may immediate need to implement a programme of also be causing continuing damage to vegetation, fuel reduction by controlled burning. Such a particularly to the herbaceous and soft-foliaged need may arise in the future. Once sheep are plants associated with wetland areas. This possi­ excluded from the reserve the growth of bility needs to be viewed however, in the context understorey grasses may well create a fire haz­ of the long use of the area by sheep and cattle, ard in the dry summer months. Prescribed burn­ dating with certainty from before its gazettal as ing is one means of reducing the likelihood of a 'Public Utility' reserve and possibly from the fire damage to the woodlands. Provision is earliest days of settlement. Sudden exclusion of retained in this Plan for the prescribed burning sheep would be likely to be equally damaging. of vegetation on the reserve should this prove The problems caused by the upsurge of growth necessary. A viable alternative to burning may of exotic grasses and other weeds in York Gum be selective grazing by domestic stock of the areas following exclusion of livestock is well winter and the spring growth of grasses. demonstrated in Bewmalling Nature Reserve. Therefore once the reserve is fenced the pro­ Adequacy of Control Measures vision will be retained within this Plan to con­ Attention will be paid to the views of reserve tinue grazing sheep on the reserve on an neighbours on fire protection and formal pro­ experimental basis, and at the same time estab­ vision shall be included in this Plan for adjacent lish a series of exclusion plots to determine the landholders and the Shire Council to draw the likely effects of the cessation of grazing on the attention of the Director of Fisheries and flora. The proviso will be retained that the sheep Wildlife to inadequacies they perceive in fire may be excluded at any time.

68 Adequacy of control measures boundary of the reserve adjacent to Wroth/ Wattening Spring Road. The sign will conform ac- Similarly to fire protection, landholders adjacent to the Sign Standard specifications of the De­ to the reserve are invited to comment on the partment of Fisheries and Wildlife. inadequacies they perceive in the above policies regarding pest control. On receiving such com­ ments the Director will take suitable action to remedy the situation. S.RESEARCH

As part of an active research program, and in 4. PUBLIC USE. view of the area's long history of use for grazing, and the need to limit fuel accumulation, grazing Use of Wattening for the quiet enjoyment of on the reserve may be re-introduced. The main nature will not be discouraged. The reserve, with aims of this research would be to monitor the its combination of York Gum LOW WOOD­ continuing impact of grazing on the reserve LAND and Swamp Sheoak LOW FOREST, flora, and to monitor the change in floral compo­ contains associations not found elsewhere in the sition of the understorey following the exclusion Shire. As such, Wattening complements the di­ of stock from selected areas. versity of habitats provided by the system of Maintenance of water quality and the influence nature reserves within the Shire, a system which of changes in water quality on the conservation exists for both conservation and the appreciation values of the reserve are other important re­ of the natural environment. The reserve also has search considerations. Future research on some points of historical interest, these being the Wattening could well be directed towards studies stone-lined well and the old building site, both of the quality and quantity of water resources, its located on the eastern boundary of the reserve. variability and origins. Access Classification Although this is a small fragile reserve, its iso­ lation from major roads and proposed complete 6. MANAGEMENT­ perimeter fencing will successfully exclude ve­ GENERAL hicles. Therefore, at this stage, there is no need to declare the reserve a LIMITED ACCESS During the currency of this Plan the Department AREA. of Fisheries and Wildlife may, with the approval of the Chairman of W A W A, undertake or auth­ Signs orise such other work or action as may be seen to A sign identifying the area as Wattening Nature be necessary or desirable to properly promote the Reserve will be erected on the south-western stated objective of management of the reserve.

39377-6 69 PART 8: WONGAMINE NATURE RESERVE (RESERVE NO. 33697) A. THE RESERVE

ment Gazette notice of 8 August 1944. The 1. PHYSICAL change was in recognition of the value of stands CHARACTERISTICS AND of Wandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo) and Brown RELATIONSHIPS Mallet (E. astringens) on the reserve. Wandoo is a useful farm timber, as is Brown Mallet which Wongamine Nature Reserve is on the eastern has straight-grained, durable and tough wood. border of Toodyay Shire, approximately 12 km However, the prime value of Brown Mallet was east-north-east of Toodyay town (Fig. 4). It is its bark, which contains 45-70 per cent tannin, tetragonal in shape, with an area of 212.9 ha and which was of great value in tanning hides. In the a perimeter of some 6.5 km (Fig. 20). earlier days of Western Australia's settlement the harvesting of Brown Mallet bark for local The western boundary of Wongamine is formed use and for export to European tanneries was a by Forrest Road, on the other side of which is thriving industry, but one which declined with another Crown reserve (No. 33802), set aside as increasing labour and shipping costs, and with a source of gravel for roadmaking. A second competition from synthetic tanning agents. road (Beejording Road) marks the eastern boundaries both of Wongamine and of the Shire. In 1974, the Toodyay Naturalists' Club The remaining borders, including that on the recommended that the purpose of the eastern side of Beejording Road, are shared with W ongamine Reserve be amended. In doing so farmland. the Club pointed out the substantial conservation Most of Wongamine is part of an isolated values of W ongamine: laterite plateau, the eroded remains of the Dar­ "(1) It is the most eastward undeveloped area ling Plateau peneplain, and has an elevation of laterite country in the Shire. ranging from 260 m in the east to more than 330m in the west. As a result the reserve con­ (2) No similar country exists in the adjacent tains a number of steep-sided gullies and break­ Goomalling Shire, and it is the last example of aways together with some more undulating ter­ this class of country existing within the sur­ rain, especially towards the lower elevations in rounding York Gum/ Jam belt between the east. Bolgart and York in this particular rainfall zone. (3) It is totally surrounded by developed 2. HISTORY farmland and is large and diverse enough to serve as a fairly complete ecological unit Wongamine Nature Reserve was originally set capable of retaining its present flora and aside on 18 October 190 I for the purpose of fauna." 'Water and Stopping Place'. Like Goonaring and Beelaring Springs (PART 2), Wongamine is on After consultation between the Department of the old goldfields route between Perth and Lands and Surveys, the Forests Department and Coolgardie. Its original declaration as a Crown the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, the reserve followed on from those of the two portion of land west of Forrest Road (Fig. 20), Springs reserves, and it was the last of the was excised to become the present day, neigh­ present day system of nature reserves within the bouring gravel reserve. On 31 October 197 5, the Shire to be set aside as a 'Watering and Stopping remaining and greater part became Wongamine Place'. Wongamine was probably extensively Nature Reserve and was vested in W A W A. used for this purpose by travellers moving to and Like a number of other nature reserves in the from the eastern goldfields. The year of its Shire of Toodyay, Wongamine achieved its gazettal, 190 I, was the peak of the goldrush and status as a nature reserve by living out its useful­ such areas were in high demand. ness for other purposes. Both the goldrush and Modes and patterns of travel changed dramati­ the tanning industries are a part of history, but cally in the following years and the purpose of the values of Wongamine as a conservation area the reserve was amended to 'Timber' by Govern- remain as an unexpected legacy of both. 71 Figure 20. Wongamine Nature Reserve showing its relationship with surrounding lands; firebreaks and tracks (dashed lines), recent fire history (stippled areas) and vegetation formations (identified by numbers, and described in the associated text). (Source: Department of Lands and Surveys 1: 50 000 series and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 1981.)

72 into the reserve from the northern bound­ 3. SOILS AND VEGETATION ary, following the extent of a lens of aeolian sands more characteristic of the Bolgart The soils vary from laterite-based loams and River catchment to the north-east than of sandy clays on the plateau surface to reddish the peneplain surface which most of loams on the valley slopes and broad valley bot­ W ongamine represents. toms. Pockets of whitish and yellow sands occur primarily near the central part of the northern Of the two heathland types the first (3) boundary. With the exception of the sands, occurs on yellow sands and the second ( 4) which form a fairly distinct lens of aeolian ori­ on white sands. gin, soil types grade into one another, so forming a catena of soils from the plateau surface to the 3. HEATH B/LOW SCRUB B of One-sided gully floors. Bottle bush ( Calothamnus quadrifidus) over clumps of LOW SEDGES on yellow As the pattern of vegetation closely follows that sand. Scattered examples of Drummond's of the soils, vegetation formations also tend to Gum (Eucalyptus drummondi1) are emerg­ overlap, components of one merging with those ent around the periphery. Where the of the next. Generally however, the laterite based sandplain extends into uncleared private loams and sandy clays support Wandoo wood­ land Mottlecah (Eucalyptus macrocarpa) lands, the predominant vegetation on the reserve, is common, growing to approximately 4 m and reddish loams carry Salmon and York Gum in height. formations. The pockets of whitish and yellow sands support Banksia woodland and heaths. 4. Scattered Christmas Tree ( Nuytsia floribunda) and Slender Banksia (Banksia Seven vegetation associations have been attenuata), 4-5 m, are emergent over recognised. These are distributed as shown in Leptospermum erubescens THICKET/ Figure 20 and are described as follows: SCRUB, 2-4m in height, on white sand.

1. Variable WOODLAND/OPEN WOOD­ The understorey is a HEATH A/B rich in LAND dominated by Wandoo (Eucalyptus species, including Smokebush wandoo), 15-20 m in height, with ( Conospcrmum stoechadis), One-sided Powderbark (Eucalyptus accedens) Bottlcbrush, Scrub Sheoak (Allocasuarinn forming an important component on ridges humilis), Hakea ruscifolia, Adenanthos and breakaways. The understorey is ex­ cygnorum, Blueboy (Stirlingia latifolin) tremely variable and ranges from LOW and Verticordia sp. SCRUB A to DENSE HEATH A and THICKET. Common understorey species 5. OPEN WOODLAND of Salmon Gum (E. include Lcptospermum erubcscens, Parrot salmonophloia), 20-26 m in height, over Bush (Dryandra scssilis), Pinglc (D. patches of regenerating Salmon Gum carduacea), Couch Honeypot (D. nivca) OPEN LOW WOODLAND A, 8-15 m in Blackboys (Xanthorrhoea preissii), Prickly height. Wandoo and Y ark Gum (E. Poison ( Gastrolobium spinosum), Hakea loxophlcbn) are present as minor trifurcata, H. incrassnta, Silky-leaved components and the understorey is sparse. Blood Flower Calothamnus snnguineus), Tamma (Allocasuarina campcstris), Graceful Honeymyrtle (Melalcuca radula) 6. LOW WOODLAND A/OPEN LOW and Rough Honeymyrtlc (Melaleuca WOODLAND A of York GumjWandoo scabra). In some parts of this association to 15m over Jam (Acncin acuminnta), 4- young Wandoo forms OPEN LOW 6 m in height, over LOW SCRUB B and WOODLAND A. LOW GRASS.

2. LOW WOODLAND A of Brown Mallet 7. OPEN LOW WOODLAND A of (Eucalyptus astringcns), 10-14 min height, Wandoo, over a LOW WOODLAND B of over a LOW SCRUB B of Bullock Poison Sheoak (Allocasuarinn huegclinnn). Be­ ( Gastrolobium tri!obium). This formation neath this woodland there is a sparse is restricted to breakaway slopes and occurs understorey of Parrot Bush and Prickly in two associations of limited extent. Poison. Although most of Wongamine carries Over I 00 plant species have been recorded on the woodlands, sandplain heathlands extend reserve, including 23 species of orchid (App. VI).

73 Thirty-six species of fungi have been collected on 5. PAST MANAGEMENT, USE Wongamine (App. IX), plus one rare 'double­ headed' Gasteromycetc. The Gasteromycetes are AND FIRE HISTORY well represented on the reserve, and include the attractive semi-underground Calostoma Wongamine has been used for a variety of pur­ luridum-commonly known as "pretty-mouths" poses. Although some tree felling occurred dur­ (in reference to its brightly coloured stoma). ing its time as a timber reserve, the impact of this past use appears minimal. In the 1960s and 1970s there was a spate of rubbish dumping but this was largely alleviated by the joint action of 4. FAUNA the Shire Council and the Toodyay Naturalists' Club. Trial-bike riding emerged as a problem in Knowledge of the fauna of W~ngamine also the mid 1970s but declined following declaration comes principally from the Toodyay Naturalists' of the nature reserve. Club, its members having recorded 62 bird species on the reserve (App. Ill). Wongamine is Small parts of the reserve have also been utilised a zone of transition for fauna as well as flora, as sources of gravel, and excavations near the containing bird species representative of both the eastern corner and along the Forrest Road front­ eastern and western parts of the Shire. Birds age are still visible. There are numerous gravel such as the White-backed Swallow, tracks in the area. These originated as a result of Yellow-throated Miner and White-fronted past use and have been maintained by the ease of Honeyeater are usually only found in the east, vehicular access onto the reserve from roads on while the White-tailed Black Cockatoo, Western the eastern and western boundaries. Yellow Robin and White-naped Honeyeater are representative of habitats in the west. All of A registered apiary site is located in the these occur on the reserve. In addition north-western corner of the reserve and is used Wongamine provides habitat for five migrant birds, the Pallid Cuckoo, Bronze Cuckoo, by a local resident to support a small number of White-winged Triller, Rufous Songlark and hives. Brown Songlark. In 1980, two fires occurred on the reserve. Both Sight records of mammals and reptiles, a limited escaped from adjoining farmland: the first from trapping program carried out as part of sur­ a clearing burn, the second from a stubble fire. veys leading to preparation of this plan and op­ Their extent is indicated by the stippled areas in portunistic collecting have established baseline Figure 20. Prevailing weather conditions information for Wongamine. The Euro necessitated the usc of bulldozers as well as con­ (Macropus robustus) and the Western Grey ventional fire fighting techniques in their con­ Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus), plus exotic trol, which added to the network of tracks on the species such as rabbits and foxes, are frequently reserve. Subsequent to the 1980 fire, the Depart­ seen on Wongamine, and the House Mouse has ment upgraded the existing system of firebreaks been trapped on the reserve. The Echidna and widened the northern boundary break to (Tachyglossus aculeatus) has also been sighted 12m where the reserve borders on uncleared on the reserve. Nine species of reptile have been land. trapped on Wongamine: one snake-the Black-headed Whip-snake (Denisonia gouldi1); two snake-lizards-DeJma greyii and the Com­ mon Scaly-foot (Pygopus lepidopodus); three geckos-the Clawless Gecko (Diplodactylus ocellatus), Wood Gecko (Diplodactylus 6. NATURE CONSERVATION granariensis) and D. polyophthalmus; and three skinks-Egernis multiscutata bos, Menetia VALUES greyii and Morethia obscura. Wongamine Nature Reserve is the only conser­ Also of interest on Wongamine is the presence of vation area in the eastern part of Toodyay Shire. a species of trapdoor spider, found in the It illustrates the transition from the Wandoo Wheatbelt, of the tribe Aganippine. Its classifi­ dominated woodlands, which characterise the cation is currently under revision and it is likely Hills Region of the central part of the Shire, to that Wongamine will be established as the type Salmon Gum and York Gum dominated com­ locality for this species (B. York Main, pers. munities, which are more typical of woodlands of comm., 1982). the wheatbelt areas of the State. Botanically the 74 area is very rich and the diversity of the flora is able as a habitat for kangaroos, small mammals increased by the sandplain heathlands near the and a large number of bird species that might northern boundary. The presence of Urocarpus otherwise be absent from this part of the Shire. grandiflorus, a proposed gazetted rare species, adds further to the conservation values of The diversity of its flora and the representation W ongamine. This species has only been recorded of a number of wheatbelt vegetation formations from two localities; the Wongamine population combine with its value as a habitat for fauna and being the only one on a nature reserve. its size and compact shape, to give a firm basis to recognition of Wongamine as a 'Key Site­ Ecosystem Management' in the nature reserve The isolation of the reserve among farmland makes it important as a fauna refuge. It is suit- system.

B. PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT

largely initiated by the Toodyay Naturalists' 1. MANAGEMENT Club, and carried out by the Department of OBJECTIVES Fisheries and Wildlife.

Management will be primarily directed towards Rehabilitation and Maintenance of the Natural rehabilitation and maintenance of the conser­ Environment vation values of the reserve, including the continued control of exploitative and damaging To restore areas degraded by gravel extraction, use. Facilitation of uses and research appropriate to close and revegetate many tracks and to en­ to a nature reserve are objectives of second pri­ sure that rubbish overlooked during earlier col­ ority. lections is removed or buried.

Active management is expected to be required in the following fields during the course of oper­ ation of this plan: 2. FIRE PROTECTION Protection from Fire To protect the assets of adjacent landholders and the natural values of the reserve. To minimise Fire protection measures will. include the main­ the occurrence of wildfires on the reserve and to tenance ofthe peripheral and internal firebreaks, suppress such wildfires as may occur. the regular monitoring of fuel levels and a pro­ vision for close consultation between the Depart­ ment, neighbouring landholders and the Protection from Pests: Animal and Weed Control Toodyay Shire Council. To protect the reserve and the surrounding land from plant and animal pests; this need is covered Rationale under the provisions of the Agriculture and Re­ Wongamine Nature Reserve is an isolated lated Resources Protection Act. pocket of bushland in a largely cleared area of farmland. One potential source of fire, escape of Public Use and Research clearing 'burns on adjoining property, has there­ To continue to encourage the usc of Wongamine fore been minimised in the Wongamine area. for passive activities such as wildflower pho­ Given continuation of a high level of neighbour tography and birdwatching, and for non-destruc­ understanding of the need for care in control of tive research projects; with all public use remain­ fire, in the course of normal farm management ing of secondary importance to the maintenance operations, the risk of fire escaping onto the re­ of the nature conservation values of the area. serve is minimised. In addition, by virtue of the The reserve has a long history of public use excellent accessibility by road, fire suppression is which has recently been brought under effective greatly facilitated. This combination of factors control by an informal management programme, provides an excellent opportunity to exercise a 75 program of conservative fire protection man­ 3. PROTECTION FROM agement pending accumulation of better knowl­ edge of woodland fire regimes. The program PESTS: ANIMAL AND will be based on the following provisions: WEED CONTROL

Firebreaks to be Maintained Control of pest animals and plants may be All existing peripheral breaks will be regularly necessary to protect fauna, flora and the maintained to ensure they remain free of veg­ general reserve environment, and as part of the etation and for access in case of fire. Internal organised control of vertebrate pests and weeds breaks shown in Figure 20 will be maintained, in the surrounding farmland. Necessary arrange­ primarily as access routes and fire lines. The ments will be made by consultation and northern peripheral break will be maintained at co-operation between the Agriculture Protection a width of 12 m, the remaining boundary breaks Board and the Department of Fisheries and at 6 m and the internal access breaks at widths Wildlife. of 4 m. Adequacy of control measures Similarly to fire protection, landholders adjacent Fire Suppression to the reserve and the Shire Council are invited Fire fighting units from the Department of to comment on the inadequacies they perceive in Fisheries and Wildlife at Wanneroo will attend the above policies regarding pest control. On re­ whenever possible (subject to the limitations of ceiving such comments the Director will take personnel and equipment) fires occurring on, or suitable action to remedy the situation. considered to be threatening, the reserve.

Protective burning The combination of the recent fires (in 1980) 4. REHAB ILIT AT ION AND and naturally sparse cover of Wandoo wood­ lands, the dominant vegetation, combine to MAINTENANCE OF THE present low fuel levels at the time of writing this Plan. Fuel levels will be periodically monitored NATURAL ENVIRONMENT and close liaison maintained with the Local Authority and Bush Fire Control Officers to en­ Gravel pits to be rehabilitated sure levels remain within accepted, safe limits. The surface of gravel pits near the eastern corner Provision is retained in this Plan for prescribed of the reserve and along the Forrest Road bound­ burning for fuel control. ary will be ripped to encourage re-establishment of vegetation. Tracks associated with these pits will be allowed to fall into disuse. Local com­ Adequacy of Control Measures munity groups will be encouraged to initiate pro­ grammes aimed at re-establishment of naturally Attention will be paid to establishing and maintaining effective contact with neighbours. occurring species of local origin in these areas. This Plan includes the formal provision for re­ serve neighbours and the Shire Council to draw Closure of tracks the attention of the Director of Fisheries and Tracks on the reserve not required for fire access Wildlife to inadequacies they perceive in fire purposes will not be maintained as vehicle protection arrangements for the reserve. On re­ routes, such steps as may be necessary being ceiving such comments a joint inspection will be taken to close them off, so permitting gradual arranged by the Department and any necessary regeneration of the vegetation. further action taken. Rubbish Most of the rubbish dumped on the reserve dur­ Notifiable Authority ing the earlier period of its history has been The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife shall progressively buried or removed during the last be regarded as a Notifiable Authority in terms several years. That remaining will also be re­ of the Bushfircs Act and Regulations in respect moved and further management will be directed of Wongamine Nature Reserve. toward minimising mis-use of this kind.

76 strategic points on the reserve. Other signs de­ 5. PUBLIC USE noting limitations to access and other necessary advice will also be placed on the reserve. W ongamine has a long history of use for a var­ iety of purposes consistent with its status as a Beekeeping nature reserve and its accessibility and pleasant As this reserve is less than 500 ha beekeeping woodland environment. It is near one end of the should be excluded, as its practice on the reserve spectrum of nature reserves in the Shire in terms conflicts with WA W A policy. Once the existing of the general suitability for usc, due to its diver­ permit expires it should not be renewed. sity of vegetation, flora and fauna, combined with its system of internal firebreaks and tracks, which provide ready access to visitors. Conser­ vation of natural values is the primary objective of management, but _provision will be made in this Plan for appropriate use of the area by the public. 6. RESEARCH

Facilities to be provided Specific provision is made in this Plan for the encouragement of research relevant to the man­ Facilities for car-parking, and for access to the agement of woodland nature reserves. As reserve by pedestrians and reserve management experimental or other research programmes in­ vehicles, will be provided. As is the general prac­ volving manipulation of wildlife or of the natural tice on nature reserves in this State there will be environment requires authorisation under the no provision for other facilities of a primarily Wildlife Conservation Act and Regulations, recreational nature. these programs will be subject to Departmental agreement on objectives and methods used. Access Classification Most of the recent mis-use of Wongaminc has been a continuation or extension of long estab­ lished practices abetted by the accessibility of the reserve by road. Primarily as a means of support to rehabilitation programmes, past and 7. MANAGEMENT­ projected, by Departmental and volunteer groups, provision shall be made in this Plan for GENERAL the classification of Wongamine as a LIMITED ACCESS AREA. During the currency of this Plan the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife may, with the approval Signs of the Chairman of W A W A, undertake or auth­ Signs identifying the reserve by name and orise such other work or action as may be seen to complying to the Signs Standard of the Depart­ be necessary or desirable to properly promote the ment of Fisheries and Wildlife will be erected at stated objective of management of the reserve.

77 PART 9: GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS P' A. THE TOODY A Y NATURE RESERVES

Table 3 summarises the biophysical attributes representative samples of habitat, and as suitable and management prescriptions for the nature re­ habitat for birds, reptiles, small mammals and serves of Toodyay Shire. Together these reserves invertebrates, is inestimable. The individual re­ contain representative samples of the majority of serves, as islands in the midst of a cleared agri­ habitats in the region, from the Jarrah/Marri cultural landscape, provide nesting sites, shelter dominated western plateau (Moondyne), and food for a variety of resident bird species, through the York Gum/ Jam fluvial lowlands particularly those that utilise the interface be­ (Bewmalling) to the Salmon Gum woodlands of tween woodland and crop or pasture. Refuge is the eastern parts of the Shire (Wongamine). Of also provided, by the reserves, for a number of particular interest in the Shire is the inclusion, species of frog, snake and lizard, and for numer­ within the nature reserve system, of habitats ous invertebrates. Several small marsupials such influenced by man (Wattening), or with as the Common Dunnart (S. murina) and West­ man-made features of historical importance ern Pygmy-possum (C. concinnus) are also (Bewmalling), which add further to the diversity known to use these small reserves. of the Toodyay nature reserve system. All the reserves, regardless of their size, also Although 5 of the 9 nature reserves in the Shire provide refuge for kangaroos, and for migratory of Toodyay are less than I 00 ha, their value as and transitory bird species.

B. MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

In general, the management of nature reserves in vation values must be based on a detailed knowl­ Western Australia is conservative and aims to edge of the individual habitats concerned. Re­ maintain and enhance conservation values by search provides much of this knowledge. minimising interference with natural processes. Several observational research projects have been carried out on nature reserves within the In the Toodyay system of reserves a similar con­ Shire; the Toodyay Naturalists' Club being a servative strategy will be implemented, which primary force in this field. Experimental re­ will include a recognition of the differing, but search, which involves manipulation of flora and equally important, conservation values of fauna, may also be pursued, but only if per­ minimally disturbed habitats (Moondyne) and mission is granted by the Department of man-modified habitats (Wattening and Fisheries and Wildlife. Both of these forms of Beelaring). An integral part of this strategy is research will provide a firmer basis upon which the maintenance and enhancement of the management decisions can be made. An import­ conservation values inherent to the diverse ant, integral part of research is monitoring, and habitats included in the Toodyay system. a programme of monitoring will be implemented as part of this plan. Fire Protection The active implementation, over the last five Public Use years, of fire protection measures on the Moondync, Goonaring, Rugged Hills and Toodyay nature reserves has resulted in the es­ Wongamine Nature Reserves, by virtue of their tablishment of a comprehensive system of accessibility and the range of habitats firebreaks. represented between them, are most suited for interpretive purposes. This group, as part of the Research Toodyay system of nature reserves, will be the Successful management of a natural area subject of an interpretive programme which will directed towards the enhancement of its conser- highlight the biological, physical, historical and

79 cultural values of the reserves. This programme In all cases public use will remain of secondary complements the value of the remaining five re­ importance to the primary purpose of the area, serves for low key interpretive uses such as pho­ that of nature conservation. tography and bird observation.

TABLE 3. SUMMARY OF THE NATURE RESERVES OF THE SHIRE OF TOODYAY

Reserve ~o. Reserve Name ;\rca (ha) Geomorphic Dominant Tree Nature Reserve ;\cccss Classifi- Zone Species Status cation

;\30191 Moondync 1991.1 Darling Scarp Jarrah, MatTi, Key Site- Limited ;\cccss Powder bark, Ecosystem Wandoo Management

529 8cclaring 39.9 Darling Scarp Jarrah, Marri, Key Site- Limited ;\cccss 659 Gounaring 52.6 Swan River Ecosystem Black butt, Management flooded Gum Paperbark

21429 Rugged llills 252.0 Hills Region Wandoo, Key Site- Limited ;\ccess Marri, Ecosystem Powderbark, M anagcment Brown Mallet

19')()() Poison Ciully 1\7.2 Hills Region Wandoo, Wildlife MatTi, Refuge Powder bark, Brown Mallet

22()96 flat Rock 3~6.1 Hills Region Wandoo, Key Site - Ciully Marri, Ecosystem Powdcrbark, Management Brown Mallet

30306 Bc\\!na IIi ng 39.2 ;\von York Gum/ Key Site -- Limited ;\cccss Valley/Plain Jam Ecosystem Management

2393 \Vatlcning 40.5 ;\von York Gum/ Wildlife Valley/Plain Jam Rcl'uge

.13697 Vv'ongaminc 212.9 Eastern Wandoo, Key Site Limited ;\ccess remnant of Salmon Gum, Ecosystem lateritic York Gum, M a nagcmcn t plateau Powder bark

~() REFERE'JCES Crook, I. G. and Evans, T. (1981). Moondyne Australian Museum. (1980). National Photo­ Nature Reserve. Western Australian graphic Index of Australian Wildlife: Mam­ Nature Reserve Management Plan No. 1. mal Index. The AustraliaH· Museum. Sec­ Department of Fisheries and Wildlife: ond Edition, First' Revision, 'Sept~mber Perth. 1980. Crook, I. G., Williams, A.A.E., Chatfield, G. R. and Moore, S. A. (1984). Nature Reserves Bagnovis, F. and Gaussen, H. (1957). Les cli­ of the Shire of Dandaragan, Volume I. mate ecologiques et leur classification. Western Australia Nature Reserve Man­ Annis. Geogr. 66: 193-220. agement Plan No. 5. Department of Fisheries and Wildlife: Perth. Beard, J. S. (1979). The Vegetation of the Perth Area, Western Australia. Map and Ex­ Erikson, R. (1974). Old Toodyay and planatory Memoir. I :250 000 Series. Newcastle. Toodyay Shire Council: Vegmap Publications: Perth. Toodyay, Western Australia.

Blakers, M., Davies, S. J. J. F. and Reilly, P. N. Gardener, C. A. (1942). Vegetation of Western (1984). The atlas of Australian birds. Australia with special reference to the cli­ Melbourne University Press. mate and soils. Presidential Address, Journal of the Royal Society of W.A. 28: Burvill, G. H. (ed.) (1979). Agriculture in West­ xi-lxxxvii. ern Australia. 150 years of Development Green, J. W. (1981). Census of the Vascular and Achievement, 1929-1979. University of Plants of Western Australia. Western Western Australia Press: Western Australian Herbarium: Perth. Australia. Hilton, R. N. (1982). A census of the larger Butler, H. (1975). Julimar State Forest fauna fungi of Western Australia. Journal of the sightings. Annex D. to Bindoon Environ­ Royal Society of W.A. 65(1): 1-15. mental Impact Statement, Acquisition of Additional Land, Bindoon, W.A. Environ­ McCubbin, C. (1971). Australian Butterflies. menta.] Impact Statement, Dept of Defence, Nelson: Australia. Army Office: Canberra. Muir, B. G. (1977). Biological survey of the Western Australian wheatbelt. Part 2: Veg­ Casperson, K. D. (1975). Toodyay: A Survey of etation and habitat of Bendering Reserve. Major Habitats Within the Shire. Unpub­ Records of the Western Australian Mu­ lished Report. seum, Supplement No.3.

Cogger, H. A. (1975). Reptiles and Amphibians Ride, W. D. L., (1970). A guide to the native of Australia. Reed: Sydney. mammals of Australia. Oxford University Press: Melbourne. Collins, B. G. and Briffa, P. (1982). Seasonal variation or abundance and foraging of Specht, R. L., Roe, E. M. and Boughton, V. H. three species of Australian honeyeaters. (eds.) (1974). Conservation of Major Plant Australian Wildlife Research 9: 557-69. Communities in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Australian Journal of Botany Sup­ Collins, B. G. and Briffa, P. (1983). Seasonal plementary Series No. 7. and diurnal variations in the energetics and foraging activities of the brown honeyeater, Storr, G. M. (1982). Revision of the Bearded Lichmera indistincta. Australian Journal of Dragons (Lacertilia: Agamidae) of Western Ecology 8: I 03-111. Australia with notes on the Dismemberment of the Genus Amphibolurus. Records of the Collins, B. G., Newland, C. and Briffa, P. Western Australian Museum. 10(2): (1984). Nectar utilization and pollination 199-214. by Australian honeyeaters and insects visiting Calothamnus quadrifidus Taylor, R. and Burrell W. (n.d). Toodyay Town (Myrtaceae). Australian Journal of Ecology and District-A strategy for Future Devel­ 9(4): 353-365. opment. Unpublished Report.

81 Tingay, A. and Tingay, S. (1982). Beelaring and Toodyay Naturalists' Club (1979). Natural His­ Goonaring Springs: a familiar tale of tory of Toodyay. Mid-west Print: Northam, wetlands abuse. Environment W.A. 4(3): Western Australia. 26-29.

82 APPENDIX I STRUCTURAL VEGETATION CATEGORIES

LIFE FORM/HEIGHT CANOPY COVER CLASS DENSE MID-DENSE SPARSE VERY SPARSE 70-100% 30-70% I 0-30% 2-10%

Trees>30m Dense Tall Forest Tall Forest Tall Woodland Open Tall Woodland Trees 15-30rri Dense Forest Forest Woodland Open Woodland Trees 5-15m Dense Low Forest A Low Forest A Low Woodland A Open Low Woodland A Trees< 5m Dense Low Forest B Low Forest B Low Woodland B Open Low Woodland B

00 w Mallee Tree Form Dense Tree Mallee Tree Mallee Open Tree Mallee Very Open Tree Mallee Mallee Shrub Form Dense Shrub Mallee Shrub Mallee Open Shrub Mallee Very Opeh Shrub Mallee Shrubs>2m Dense Thicket Thicket Scrub Open Scrub Shrubs 1.5-2.0m Dense Heath A Heath A Low Scrub A Open Low Scrub A Shrubs l.O-l.5m Dense Heath B Heath B Low Scrub B Open Low Scrub B Shrubs 0.5-l.Om Dense Low Heath C Low Heath C Dwarf Scrub C Open Dwarf Scrub C Shrubs< 0.5m Dense Low Heath D Low Heath D Dwarf Scrub D Open Dwarf Scrub D Mat Plants Dense Mat Plants Mat Plants Open Mat Plants Very Open Mat Plants Hummock Grass Dense Hummock Mid-Dense Hummock Grass Open Hummock Grass Grass Hummock Grass Bunch Grass >0.5m Dense Tall Grass Tall Grass Open Tall Grass Very Open Tall Grass Bunch Grass< 0.5m Dense Low Grass Low Grass Open Low Grass Very Open Low Grass Herbaceous spp. Dense Herbs Herbs Open Herbs Very Open Herbs Sedges >0.5m Dense Tall Sedges Tall Sedges Open Tall Sedges Very Open Tall Sedges Sedges <0.5m Dense Low Sedges Low Sedges Open Low Sedges Very Open Low Sedges Very Open Ferns Ferns Dense Ferns Ferns Open Ferns Very Open Mosses Mosses, Liverwort Dense Mosses Mosses Open Mosses APPENDIX II THE HISTORY OF LAND USE IN THE SHIRE OF TOODY A Y

Present land use in the Shire of Toodyay is a Ticket-of-Leave men, and only a dozen or so function of socioeconomic conditions, past land were secured by pastoralists as stock watering use and the long history of agricultural settle­ places. ment in the area. The history of Toodyay town­ ship and of the nine nature reserves in the Shire The introduction of grazing leases in 1847 di­ forms an integral part of the history of agricul­ rectly contributed to the pattern of extensive tural development within the Shire. Therefore, to pastoral holdings interspersed with occasional understand present day land usc patterns and clusters of small holdings. The terms of these practices, it is necessary to explore agricultural pastoral leases were such that the land could not development in the Toodyay area from the first be cultivated, and generally the landholder pur­ years of European settlement. chased 10 to 60 acres around the homestead for crops and dairy cattle. This contributed further 1836-1860: Pastoralists and smallholders to the development of a pattern of small enclosed fields centred on homesteads, and surrounded by The rich Toodyay valley was discovered by col­ tracts of open uncleared bushland, used for graz­ onists in 1831 and the first land grants were ing; a pattern which was to be a continuing fea­ taken up in 1836. Figure 3 indicates the original ture of land use in the Shire for much of the pattern of vegetation. By the end of 1836 one nineteenth century. third of the Toodyay valley had been selected.

These first grants followed the course of the As the 1850s progressed, the future of parts of Toodyay Brook and its immediate catchment the region for cropping became apparent. area. The extent of the first land releases is Encouraged by the needs of the convict estab­ shown in Figure 21. This initial selection was lishments, progressive farmers planted fields of almost wholly of areas of York Gum woodland, a 50 and more acres of wheat. (Erickson, 1974, p. vegetation association noted by the early settlers 160). However, there was still very little land for its lush native grasses and availability of that had been cleared for this kind of intensive water. These qualities made it prime pastoral agriculture. land, suitable for grazing large flocks of sheep. The pastoral industry continued as the major Selection of these grants was accompanied by force in new land develo!Jment. In 1854, the the declaration of the townsites of Toodyay and Toodyay, Northam and Victoria Plains Agricul­ Bejoording. tural Society was formed to encourage northern Very little land was released for development exploration to discover more pastoral land. This over the period 1841-1860 (Fig. 22), due to poor need for new pastoral land was a direct function roads and the resultant slow travel combined of heavy grazing of native bushland. with labour shortages and the 1840s depression Because of labour shortages and economic de­ in the colony. The land releases during this time pression, alternative sources of income were were scattered through the Marri/Wandoo veg­ sought. Sandalwood was cut and exported to etation, with some in the York Gum woodland. China and the ncar east over the years 1845 to A settlement originating from a cluster of small 184 7, and this helped the settlers survive a very land holdings was established around Wattening lean period. Spring. During the 1850s wealthy squatters consolidated Even in these early decades bushfires presented a their large holdings, while new land development major problem and in 1858 the Agricultural So­ ciety commented that it was "at a loss to point was characterised by the establishment of small 1 farms of 10 to 20 acres. These centred on good out a remedy for bushfires" stock watering points, either springs or pools on the creeks which flow to the Toodyay Brook and 1861-1880: The beginnings of agriculture Avon River. The farms were clustered in small The pattern of land development during the commumt1es, usually along ex1stmg roads period 1861-1880 was slightly different to that of (Erickson, 1974, p. 144). Some were on small preceding decades (Fig. 23). Areas of land re­ areas leased from large landowners, but more leased increased in size to approximately 40 acre than 70 locations of less than 20 acres were bought from the Crown. The demand for such Toodyay, Northam and Victoria Plains Agric. Soc. allotments was high among labourers and Minutes, I Nov. 1859, W AA 627 A.

39377-7 85 Skm

Figure 21. Land releases in the Shire of Toodyay: 1831-1840.

~. Wandoo, York Gum and . Jarrah/Marri Jarrah and Wandoo Salmon Gum woodland. 0 foresL woodland. Jarrah, Marri and + Scrub/Heath Jarrah, Wandoo and till Wandoo woodland. ~ sand plain. Powder bark woodland. g;j Marri and W andoo York Gum woodland. Wandoo woodland. fill woodland.

86 L8

·pmlJpOOM 'pUB[pOOM oopuBM, ~ 'PUB[pOOM rnno :l(JO A rn oopuB A\ puB !JlBW ~ 'PUB[pOOM :l[lBqJ;JpMOd 'U!B[dpuBS ·puBjpOOM OOpUBA\, pUB OOpUBA\, 'qBJJBf ~ 4lB:JH/qnJ:JS ~ puB UJBW 'qBJJBf mJ+

·puB[pOOM 'lS;)lOJ 'PUB[pOOM lUITQ UOlli[BS OOpUBA\, puB qBJJBf ~ !llBW/qBllBf 0. puB rnno :l(JO A 'oopuB A\ ~.

W15 ~--~ Skm

Figure 23. Land releases in the Shire o~ Toodyay: 1861-1880.

Wandoo, York Gum and . Jarrah/Marri Jarrah and Wandoo 8B Salmon Gum woodland. Q. forest fmJ woodland. Jarrah, Marri and + Scrub/Heath fill Wandoo woodland. Jarrah, Wandoo and ~ sand plain. ~ Powderbark woodland. Marri and W andoo York Gum woodland. Wandoo ~ woodland. - rn ~ woodland.

88 lots and they were situated in the Marri/ Company offered to lease back the areas but at Wandoo woodland. The settlers selected sites significantly higher rates than the Government, that were near water and had good soils for an action which delayed the active development agriculture. Choice of sites was· based on the of these areas for more than 20 years. detailed knowledge of the area gai•ned· by the In 1892, the Lands Department increased the early settlers. size of blocks released to 1 000 acreas and this, 4 Although pastoral activities continued to pre­ combined with the Homestead Act and, the dominate there was some further move towards Midland Railway Co. grants, resulted in the agriculture, which was an expression of a change opening up of substantial new areas. in the composition of the population. The popu­ lation of Toodyay district was increasing rapidly With the discovery of gold Toodyay became a as Pensioner Guards and Ticket-of-Leave con­ staging point for the movement of goods and victs came into the area. They were granted or people east to the goldfields. This encouraged purchased areas of land on which their primary the Toodyay settlers to diversify their land use­ activity was intensive agriculture; growing veg­ sheep were produced for meat as well as wool, etables, hay, grains and fruit. Wheat, in particu­ pigs were kept for ham, bacon and pork pro­ lar, became important as the need for flour to duction, and cattle were produced in greater provide bread for the growing population numbers than previously. increased. Cultivation was usually confined to In response to increasing demand, particularly at the fertile flats beside the river and brooks. the goldfields, the small viticultural industry which had been present in Toodyay since the Land regulations introduced by Fraser in 1872 earliest days of settlement, expanded rapidly and 1875 cancelled several big pastoral leases in both in the area under vines and the amount of the vicinity of settled areas. The resumed land dried fruit and wine produced. was surveyed into agricultural blocks and thrown 2 open for selection as Special Occupation Leases. In addition to its role as a major producer of Extensive areas of the large tracts granted in wheat, oats, hay and wine, Toodyay, during the I 836 were cleared for grain crops and stock feed final years of the nineteenth century, became a and the displaced flocks of sheep were moved to major producer of butter, bacon, ham, pickled pastoral leases to the north and north-east of the and salted pork, poultry and eggs. Shire. Flocks of sheep were also run on large leases encompassing MarrijWandoo woodland By 1900, Toodyay had become an established and JarrahjWandoojPowderbark woodland. agricultural area. The subdivision of 'Coondle', a Shepherds were employed to care for the flocks property of 8 800 acres, in 1898, and the and it was not until the late 1870s that wire and Norman Estates, in I 900, was the result of an iron post fencing came into general use. increasing demand for smaller blocks for inten­ sive agriculture. ('Coondle' was divided into 71 The Toodyay district was rapidly becoming an blocks, ranging from 15 to 4 I 0 acres in size, and established agricultural area. The townsite of Norman Estates was subdivided into 43 lots Newcastle was officially gazetted in I 86 I, fol­ ranging in size from 100 to 290 acres.) lowing continued flooding of old Toodyay. It is ironic that the lack of adequate water was to remain a handicap to Newcastle's futher growth 2 An applicant for a Special Occupation Lease could for many years (Erickson, I 974, p. 323). Finally, buy I 00 to 500 acres by paying a deposit of \s.6d per acre and making similar annual payments during the in I 877, Newcastle was granted municipal next I 0 years. He was obliged to fence the whole block status. and plant a crop on at least a quarter of the land before he could receive his titles. He could claim commonage on adjacent Crown land where he was permitted to run 1881-1900: Consolidation of agriculture and the 4 head of stock for every I 00 acres he was purchasing. This stock had to be for milk or meat production and emergence of Crown reserves not for wool (Erickson, 1874, p. 252). Over the decades I 88 I- I 900 extensive areas of 3 ln \883 negotiations resulted in an agreement land were released (Fig. 24) and land clearing granting 12 000 acres of land to the Company for activity increased. A large proportion of the land every completed mile of the proposed railway line be­ released in the Toodyay Shire over this period tween York and Champion Bay.

resulted from negotiations between the Midland 4 1 The llomestead Act, passed by Forrest's government Railway Company and the Government. Much in \893, provided that a man under certain conditions of the I 36 000 acres within the Shire released to of occupation and improvement, would be given up to the Company had been previously held under 160 acres of farmland, and could buy adjacent lease­ pastoral lease by the early settlers. The hold on conditional purchase.

P,9 I ~ l_M;~~~ / ji}t{~/~t· \ I Skm ~ $ ~~ \ __, 't__ "' ---~_r-J~''-/-1

Figure 24. Land releases in the Shire of Toodyay: 1881-1900.

J arrah, Marri and Jarrah, Wandoo and ill]+ Wandoo woodland. ~ Powder bark woodland.

Marri and Wandoo Wandoo ~ woodland. ~ woodland. [;] Jarrah/Marri Scrub/Heath . York Gum woodland. . forest. ~ sand plain. m

90 Not only was land use changing in the Toodyay Newcastle's name was finally changed back to area, but the indigenous products were also be­ Toodyay in 1911, as confusion had resulted from ing exploited in a different manner. No longer an identically named town in N.S.W. and the were kangaroos and possums being hunted for settlers of the Toodyay district wanted a more meat and furs for dome~tic use:._ra-t~~r overseas localised original name. demands for furs in the 1880s saw the settlers begin to supplement their income by exporting Land release over the first two decades of the possum and kangaroo skins. Large numbers of 20th century involved smaller areas than had the farming workforce hunted possum and been granted previously (Fig. 25). In general, kangaroo full time, while others became carters land released over this period was in more diffi­ to the Yilgarn goldfields. The resultant loss of cult terrain, and clearing was much harder. The labour from the farming communities delayed land was dominated by either JarrahjWandoo/ the clearing of land in Toodyay, with a conse­ Powderbark woodland, or Jarrah/Marri/ quent delay until the first decades of the twenti­ Wandoo woodland. eth century in the changeover from pastoral ac­ tivities to intensive agriculture. The sale of some of the hitherto unused Midland It was also during the decades 1881-1900 that Railway Co. land near Bolgart led to the estab­ Crown reserves were being set aside for various lishment of a new community around Wattening purposes, predominantly as 'Watering and Stop­ Spring. This release was responsible for the de­ ping Places for Teams'. These small Crown re­ velopment of the last remaining large tract of serves were, in the main, located on roads lead­ York Gum country. ing east. They were established to provide watering and resting facilities for the large num­ Established farms continued to be consolidated ber of bullock and horse teams used to haul in their extensive mixed farming regime: sheep supplies to the Yilgarn goldfields. Three reserves for wool and fat lamb production, and the crop­ of the present day nature reserve system, ping of wheat, barley, hay, fruit and vines. The Goonaring, Beelaring and W ongamine; were Toodyay district remained the major producer of originally set aside as 'Water and Stopping pickled and salted pork and was still an import­ Places'. A further two, Bewmalling and ant producer of bacon, ham, poultry and butter. Wattening were set aside for the purposes of 'Public Utility' and were used for much the same In 1901, Crown reserve No. 1296 (now purposes as the 'Water and Stopping Place' re­ Wongamine Nature Reserve) was gazetted; it serves. However as the latter two reserves were was the last of those reserves, which later be­ situated on the northern stock route, rather than came part of the present day system of nature the more heavily used approq.ch to the eastern reserves in the Shire of Toodyay, to be set aside goldfields, they were gazetted for the more for the purposes of 'Water and Stopping Place'. generalised purpose of public utility. Prior to It was used by teams travelling to and from the 1889 the Toodyay Road Board spent £120 on Yilgarn goldfields 6 developing these watering points.5

1901-1940: Expansion slows down The last of the major land releases was made Erickson ( 1974) in her history of the Toodyay during the decades 1921-1940 (Fig. 26). These district, made the following comments about were mainly areas of MarrijWandoo woodland. Toodyay's transition from the 19th to 20th cen­ During this period State Forests, covering large tury: tracts of land in the western half of the Shire of Toodyay, were gazetted and exist relatively un­ " ... farming in the old districts of Toodyay and York had reached a limit of development, changed to today. At the same time two more of the present day system of nature reserves, Poison since the only notable increase in stock was in Gully and Rugged Hills Nature Reserves, were pigs, while wheat cropping had scarcely gazetted by the Crown as 'Timber' reserves. improved." (p. 304) Another of the present day system (Flat Rock " ... Newcastle entered the 20th century on Gully Nature Reserve) was gazetted at this time the crest of a wave of prosperity, but within a under the more generalised purpose of few years it became obvious that the rival 'Government Requirements'. However this re­ town of Northam commanded more advan­ serve was used primarily fpr logging and thus tages and Newcastle gradually lapsed into a backwater existence." (p.350) 6 It is interesting to note that this reserve was gazetted in the year in which the goldrush peaked; its proposal 5Beelaring was one of the sites chosen for development was obviously in response to the increased watering and the plank lined well is still in good condition, with needs of the large numbers of travellers moving to and an ample supply of water through the year (Fig. 9). from the goldfields.

91 Figure 25. Land releases in the Shire of Toodyay: 1901-1920

Jarrah, Marri and Jarrah, Wandoo and ill]+ Wandoo woodland. ~ Powderbark woodland.

Marri and Wandoo Wandoo ~ woodland. ~ woodland.

Jarrah/Marri Scrub/Heath York Gum woodland. D. forest. ~ sand plain. m

92 \

~ \\ /"1 / /'\~/ v \ / 'v// / ~ I

Ih ~ ;fol I I I I ~ \ I I g) A( ~ $ )

\ //"' // ///

Skm

Figure 26. Land releases in the Shire of Toodyay: 1921-1940. (To the present day only very minor changes have occurred in the areas of land alienated from the Crown.)

F.n Jarrah, Marri and Scrub/Heath W:l Wandoo woodland. ~ sand plain.

Marri and Wandoo l-?.1 JarrahfMarri ~ woodland. ~ forest.

Jarrah, Wandoo and Wandoo ~ Powderbark woodland. ~ woodland.

93 served a similar purpose to the reserves gazetted cattle numbers increased, as did sheep numbers, at this time solely for the purpose of 'Timber'. and the area under barley and oats. The area under wheat, however, remained constant at Prior to gazettal as Crown reserves the three I 0 000 to 12 000 acres. Hills Region reserves had been released around the turn of the century for pastoral pursuits. Two Over the last 20 years the number of rural hold­ decades later they were resumed presumably be­ ings in Toodyay Shire has remained fairly con­ cause of the stands of Brown Mallet each area stant, as have the areas under crop and estab­ contained. At this time, the bark of this tree was lished pasture (Figs. 28, 29 and 30 indicate the highly valued for its tannins, which were used to progression of clearing in the Shire over the tan skins. years 1963 to 1980). Similarly, sheep, pig and cattle numbers have remained constant, The rural industries of Australia were greatly although beef cattle numbers experienced a brief affected by the First World War, and Western boom over the period 1973-1975. Australia's major rural exports of wheat, flour, wool, apples, butter and fat lambs faced severe shipping problems. However throughout this Toodyay has survived the recent economic re­ time the Avon Valley remained the most stable cession due to its stability as an established mixed farming area in the State. Production in mixed farming region, and its ability to adjust the Toodyay area was concentrated on wheat,. production to suit existing market conditions. oats, barley, hay, vineyards, fruit, fat lambs, wool, dairying, beef cattle and pigs. One such adjustment which is influencing present landuse in Toodyay is that of rural During this period 'the town slowly faded' homesite use and hobby farms. This trend (Erickson, 1974, p. 358) due primarily to compe­ originated, and is likely to continue, due to press­ tition from the adjacent town of Northam. ure from people in Perth seeking a 'rural' way of life, combined with the recent rural recession which has necessitated farmers exploring other 1940-Present: Extensive clearing and the consoli­ avenues to derive a suitable income (Taylor and dation of existing landuse patterns Burrell (n.d.) p. 21). Rural homesite develop­ ment can have a dramatic impact on landuse Although the pattern of privately owned land patterns as it leads to a decrease in the area of has remained relatively unchanged over the last farmland, an increase in the number of rural 40 years, extensive tracts of this land have been holdings and a dramatic decrease in rural prop­ cleared during the years 1940-1980. (Figs. 27-30 erty size. indicate the changes in the extent of cleared, partially cleared and uncleared land. These fig­ ures are based on information obtained from However, the Toodyay agricultural district has aerial photographs taken in 1941 (Fig. 27), 1963 always experienced cyclic changes in property (Fig. 28), 1972 (Fig. 29) and 1980 (Fig. 30)). size, superimposed on a basically stable regime of extensive mixed farming. When the Toodyay The clearing of large tracts of land following the valley was first settled large acreages were Second World War was due primarily to the granted to the early pastoralists. Even in these introduction of bulldozers for tree felling and the early days, small holdings were intensively extensive use of chemical fertilisers to enrich the farmed by Ticket-of-Leave men and labourers. relatively infertile soils. This enabled large areas The large pastoral leases were subdivided, only of land to be rapidly and economically cleared. to be amalgamated in many cases in order to In Western Australia the 20 years 1949-69 (the become economically viable. Another cycle is "boom years") saw cleared land on farms now being. completed, with the advent of double, sheep numbers treble, and wheat acreage subdivision of larger holdings into smaller rural and production nearly quadruple. Fertilisers, homesite lots. mainly superphosphate, were used not only on cereal crops, but also in equal or greater During the last decade ( 1970-1980) the last amounts on sown pastures. Trace elements­ Crown reserves (Moondyne and Rugged Hills copper, zinc and molybdenum-were also added Nature Reserves) to become part of the present in large annual tonnages (Burvill1979, p. 62). system were gazetted. Moondyne was originally part of a single block of Commonwealth land A comparison of Figures 27 and 28 indicates the which was set aside as a military training area. extensive clearing that occurred in the Toodyay Recognition o[ the area's value as a potential Shire during this period. This extensive clearing reserve for the 'conservation of flora and fauna also marked a shift in emphasis in land use. Beef led to it being gazetted in 1970. The ecological 94 ~ /\ / :1I ~!:.\ / "'! 'Dd,' ·~ 1\rA ·... '·.. ..•/1. ~.'(} 0 '\ ~ (),~ .d·'Q II ~~ """·~. ~. ~I rh.·.l, t'% "'/ tP I "-Q <£;:, ~ I e /! %'"':; o \lJ'1 ·' I o

4a .. [>o ~~0<;V q •·~ ~ld V' •

A~ ~;,':> ~~~\~V) /

1:: Skm

Figure 27. Pattern of land clearing in the Shire of Toodyay: 1941.

D Uncleared. D Partially cleared andjor pastoral usage. D Cleared.

95 Figure 2B. Pattern of land clearing in the Shire of Toodyay: 1963.

[] Uncleared.

0 Partially cleared and/or pastoral usage.

0 Cleared.

96 ~ ,~ 'l ~if'/ \ /~

' ~. /~.o ~~~· ~\,l .. / /. ()"/ 0~"""' CJ ' 'I c~- ~~ J • ~1I 4 0 ~· , -1 • I ll.i

" ""~\!. be::?I = p "' " I ""':' r:, T b ' £~ a ~,t:' -'1,-;;' • :j ~"'~ (]~~"'~ L;"~' ~ (lo ~ ~\ ~ ~ '>Jl. \ ~-,,~/~ ~//

,/ \ 5km

Figure 29. Pattern of land clearing in the Shire of Toodyay: 1972.

[] Uncleared.

LJ Partially cleared and/or pastoral usage. 0 Cleared.

97 Figure 30. Pattern of land clearing in the Shire of Toodyay: 1980.

Uncleared.

Partially cleared and/ or pastoral usage.

Cleared.

98 values of Rugged Hills were recognised in 197 5 Valley National Park in the south and a mineral by Casperson who carried out a biological survey tenement area in the west. of the Shire. However, it was not until 1980 that the reserve's purpose was changed from Timber' The present day system of nature reserves con­ to the 'Conservation of Flora· ari'a Fa,upa'. Over tains representative samples of all the vegetation the decade 1970-1980 the nine nature reserves in types utilised during the different phases of agri­ the Shire of Toodyay were vested in W A W A for cultural development in the Shire. Bewmalling the 'Conservation of Flora and Fauna'. and Wattening Nature Reserves, both of which were initially set aside in 1893 for the purpose of All the nature reserves in the Shire are now 'Public Utility', contain tracts of York Gum 'islands' of uncleared vegetation in a largely de­ woodland. This was prime pastoral county to the veloped, mainly agricultural landscape (Fig.30). first settlers. At the other end of the spectrum, By the beginning of the twentieth century the one of the most recent acquisitions to the re­ two spring reserves, Beelaring and Goonaring, serves system, Moondyne Nature Reserve, con­ were islands of Crown land in the midst of tains Jarrah forest and associated plant com­ alienated land, and by 1920 five of the.present munities; country which has only been cleared day nature reserves were in a similar position. By and used for agriculture in the last two decades. 1940 seven of the nine reserves within the Shire were completely surrounded by alienated land, Not only does the present nature reserve system and one of the remaining two, Flat Rock Gully fulfil an important role as a record of the ori­ Nature Reserve, was almost completely isolated. ginal vegetation which formed the basis of the The only exception was, and is, Moondyne Shire's existing land use pattern, it is also an Nature Reserve, which abuts upon the Avon integral part of present day land use.

99 APPENDIX Ill BIRD SPECIES SIGHTED ON NATURE RESERVES IN THE SHIRE OF

TOODYAY 0\ lll \0 t- 0\ c \0 \0 ~ 0\ 0 ~ 0\ N 0 \0 0\ .,. 0\ 0 ~ 0\ 0\ N 0 ~ ~ N ~ lll -N - N ~ N NON-PASSERINES

EMUS (DROMAIIDAE) X Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae

HERONS (ARDEIDAE) X X White-faced Heron Ardea novaehollandiae

DUCKS (ANA TID A E) X X Australian Shelduck (Mountain Duck) Tadorna tadornoides X Pacific Black Duck (Black Duck) Anas superciliosa

LARGE RAPTORS (ACCIPITRIDAE) X Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura X X Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus X X Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax

FALCONS (FALCONIDAE) X Australian Hobby (Little Falcon) Falco longipennis X X Brown Falcon Falco bcrigora X Australian Kestrel Falco cenchroides

QUAILS (PHASIANIDAE) X Stubble Quail Coturnix novaczclandiae

39377-8 101 Cl\ Vl \Q o(l Cl\ 0 \Q \Q !-- N 0 Cl\ 0 ~ Cl\ Cl\ "'~' Cl\ 0 ~ Cl\ \Q N Cl\ N 0 ~ ~ Vl -N - N ~ N ~ BUTTON-QUAILS (TURNICIDAE)

Painted Button-quail X X (Painted Quail) Turnix varia

PIGEONS (COLUMBIDAE)

Common Bronzewing X X X X X Phaps chalcoptcra

Crested Pigeon X X X Ocyphaps Jophotcs

COCKATOOS (CACATUIDAE)

White-tailed Black-Cockatoo X X Calyptorhynchus baudinii

Galah X X X Cacatua roscicapilla

Long-billed Corella X Cacatua tcnuirostris

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo X Cacatua galcrita

LORIKEETS (LORIIDAE)

Purple-crowned Lorikeet X X Glossopsitta porphyroccphala

PARROTS (PLATYCERCIDAE)

Red-capped Parrot X Purpurciccphalus spurius

Western Rosella X Platyccrcus ictcrotis

Port Lincoln Ringneck X X X X X X X (Port Lincoln Parrot) Barnardius zonarius

Elegant Parrot X Ncophcma clcgans

CUCKOOS (CUCULIDAE)

Pallid Cuckoo X X Cuculus pallid us

Fan-tailed Cockoo X X X Cuculus pyrrhophanus

102 C1\ trl \0 «l C1\ c \0 \0 r- !"' 0 C1\ 0 C1\ C1\ .... C1\ 0 C1\ \0 !"' C1\ !"' 0 "' "' !"' trl -!"' - !"' f'1 "' "' Horsefield's Bronze-Cuckoo X X X (Rufous-tailed Bronze-Cuckoo) Chrysococcyx basalis

Shining Bronze-Cuckoo X X Chrysococcyx lucidus

OWLS (STRlGIDAE)

Southern Boobook X X X (Boobook Owl) Ninox novacsseelandiae

BARN OWLS (TYTONIDAE)

Barn Owl X X Tyto alba

FROGMOUTHS (PODARGIDAE)

Tawny Frogmouth X Podargus strigoides

KINGFISHERS (ALCEDlNIDAE)

Laughing Kookaburra X X X X X (Kookaburra) Dacelo novaeguineae

Sacred Kingfisher X X Halcyon sanctus

BEE-EATERS (MEROPIDAE)

Rainbow Bee-cater X X X (Australian Bee-eater) Merops ornatus

PASSERINES

SWALLOWS (HIRUNDINIDAE)

White-backed Swallow X X Cheramoeca lcucosternum

Tree Martin X Cecropis nigricans

PIPITS (MOTAClLLIDAE)

Richard's Pipit X Anthus novaeseelandiae 103 a-, 1£) ~ a-, 0 ~ ~ t- ~ r--1 0 a-, 0 0 a-, 1£) a-, a-, "' ~ N ""' a-, N "'0 1£) -N - r--1 "' "'r--1 "' CUCKOO-SHRIKES (CAMPEPHAGIDAE)

Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike X X X X X X Coracina novaehollandiae

White-winged Triller X X X Lalage sueurii

ROBINS /WHISTLERS /MONARCHS jF AN- TAILS (MUSCICAPIDAE)

Southern Scrub-robin X Drymodes brunneopygia

Scarlet Robin X X X X X X Petroica multicolor

Red-capped Robin X X X X Petroica goodenovii

Western Yellow Robin X X X Eopsaltria griseogu/aris

Jacky Winter X X (Brown Flycatcher) Microeca /eucophaea

Golden Whistler X Pachycephala pectoralis

Rufous Whistler X X X X Pachycepha/a rufiventris

Grey Shrike-thrush X X X X X Colluricinc/a harmonica

Grey Fantail X X X X X X X Rhipidura fuliginosa X X X Willie Wagtail X Rhipidura /eucophrys

BABBLERS (TJMALIIDAE)

White-browed Babbler X Pomatostomus superciliosus

OLD WORLD WARBLERS (SYL VI IDAE)

Rufous Songlark X Cinc/orhamphus mathewsi

Brown Songlark X Cinc/orhamphus crura/is

104 eo-, on ~ o(j eo-, 0 ~ ~ r- N 0 eo-, 0 ~ eo-, eo-, ..... eo-, 0 ~ eo-,~ N eo-, N 0 ~ ~ on -N - N ~ N ~ WRENS (MARLURIDAE) '"" X X Splendid Fairy-Wren X (Splendid Wren) Malurus splendens X White-winged Fairy-wren Malurus Leucopterus

AUSTRALIAN WARBLERS (ACANTH IZIDAE) X Calamanthus (Field Wren) Sericornis fuliginosus X X X Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris X X X X X X X Western gerygone (Western Warbler) Gcrygonc fusca X X X Inland Thornhill (Broad-tailed Thornhill) Acanthiza apicalis X X X Western thornbill Acanthiza inornata X X X X X X Yellow-rumped Thornhill X Acanthiza chrysorrhoa

SITTELLAS (NEOSITTIDAE) X X X X Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptcra

TREECREEPERS (CLIMACTERIDAE) X X X Rufous Treecreeper X Climactcris ru[a

HONEYEATERS (MELIPHAGIDAE) X X X X Red Wattlebird X X Anthochaera carunculata X X Little Wattlebird Anthochacra chrysoptera X Yellow-throated Miner Manorina [Javigula X X X X X Singing Honeyeater X Lichenostomus virescens

105 0\ If) \0 ~ 0\ 0 ~ ~ 1:-- ~ 0 0\ ,...,0 (<) 0'\ 0\ 0'\ 0 0\,..., ,...,~ ~ ,..... 0\ N 0 "" ,..., M ,..., If) N - N Yellow-plumed Honeycater X X X Lichcnoslomus ornatus

Brown-headed Honeyeater X X X Mclithrcptus brcviroslris

White-naped Honeyeater X X X Melilhrcplus lunatus

Brown Honeycater X X X X X X Lichmera indistincta

New Holland Honeyeater X X Phylidonyris novachollandiae

White-cheeked Honeycater X X Phylidonyris nigra

White-fronted Honeycater X Phylidonyris albifrons

Tawny-crowned Honeyeater X X Phylidonyris melanops

Western Spincbill X X X Acanthorhynchus superciliosus

CHATS (EPHTHIANURIDAE)

Crimson Chat X Ephthianura tricolor

White-fronted Chat X Ephthianura albifrons

MISTLETOEBIRD ( D I CAE I DAE)

Mistletoe bird X X Dicaeum hirundinaccum

PARDALOTES (PARDALOTIDAE)

Spotted Pardalote X X Pardalotus punctatus

Striated Pardalote X X X Pardalotus striatus

WHITE-EYES (ZOSTEROPIDAE)

SILVEREYE X X Zosterops latera/is

FINCHS (PLOCEIDAE)

Zebra Finch X Pocphila gullata

!06 C1\ 0() \0

'' Australian Magpie-lark X Grallina cyanoleuca

WOODSWALLOWS (ARTAMIDAE)

Black-faced Woodswallow X X Artemus cinereus

Dusky W oodswallow X X Artemus minor

BUTCHERBIRDS/MAGPIES (CRACTICIDAE)

Grey Butcherbird X X X Cracticus torquatus

Australian Magpie X X X X Gymnorhina tibicen

CROWS/RAVENS (CORVIDAE)

Australian Raven X X X X X X X Corvus coronoides

107 APPENDIX IV BIRD LIST FOR SIX HABITAT TYPES WITHIN THE SHIRE OF TOODYAY,

COMPILED BY,JHE TOODYAY NATURALISTS' CLUB l>ll ,, c: :.a "'... 1 2 3 4 5 6 i:Q"' NON-PASSERINES

EMUS (DROMAl!DAE) y y y * Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae

GREBES (PODlClPEDIDAE) rare Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus X X * Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocepha/us X X * Australasian Grebe (Little Grebe) Tachybaptus novaehollandiae

PELICANS (PELECANIDAE) z z Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus

DARTERS (ANHINGIDAE) z Darter Anhinga melanogaster

CORMORANTS (PHALACROCORACJDAE) z z Great Cormorant (Black Cormorant) Phalacrocorax carbo rare Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax vari us X * Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris X y * Little Pied Cormorant Pha/acrocorax melanoleucos

HERONS (ARDEIDAE) y y Pacific Heron (White-necked Heron) Ardea pacifica X X X X X * White-faced Heron Ardea novachollandiae

109 ------~~--- -~-

ell c ;a <.1 ....<.1 1 2 3 4 5 6 ~ y y Great Egret (Great White Egret) Egrctta alba

Little Egret rare Egretta garzetta y Rufous Night Heron * (Nankeen Night Heron) Nycticorax caledonicus

Black Bittern rare Dupetor fla vi col/is

Australasian Bittern rare Botaurus poiciloptilus

IBISES AND SPOONBILLS (PLATALEI DAE)

Sacred Ibis z Threskiornis aethiopica y y Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis

Royal Spoonbill rare Plata/ca regia

Yellow-billed Spoonbill z Platalca flavipes

DUCKS (ANATIDAE) y y Black Swan * Cygnus atratus

Australian Shelduck X X X X * ~(Mountain Duck) Tadorna tadornoides

Pacific Black Duck X X X X * (Black Duck) Anas supcrciliosa

Grey Teal X X * An as gibberifrons

Chestnut Teal z Anas castanea y Australasian Shoveler z * (Blue-winged Shoveler) Anas rhynchotis

Pink-cared Duck z z Malacorhynchus membranaceus

110 IOJ) c: :.a ...."" 1 2 3 4 5 6 i:Q

Hard head y y * (White-eyed Duck) Aythya australis

Maned Duck X X X X * (Wood Duck) Chenonetta ju ba til

Blue-billed Duck y y * Oxyura australis y Musk Duck y * Biziura /obata

LARGE RAPTORS (ACCIPITRIDAE)

Black-shouldered Kite X X y X * £/anus notatus

Black Kite rare Milvus migrans

Square-tailed Kite z z z z z * Lophoictinia isura

Black-breasted Buzzard rare Hamirostra melanosternon y Whistling Kite y y y y * Haliastur sphenurus y y Brown Goshawk y X y X * Accipiter fasciatus

Collared Sparrowhawk z z z y * Accipiter cirrhoccphalus

Wedge-tailed Eagle X X X X X * Aquila audax

Little Eagle X X X y X * Hieraaetus morphnoidcs y Spotted Harrier y y y Circus assimilis

Marsh Harrier z z Circus acruginosus

Black Falcon rare Falco subnigcr

Peregrine Falcon z z z z z Falco pcregrinus y y Australian Hobby y y y (Little Falcon) Falco longipennis Ill ell :.0= 0.1 ...0.1 1 2 3 4 5 6 Q:l

Grey Falcon rare Falco hypoleucos

Brown Falcon X X y y X * Falco berigora

Australian Kestrel X X y X * Falco cenchroides

MOUND BUILDERS (MpGAPODIJDAE)

Malleefowl rare Leipoa ocellata

QUAILS (PHASJANIDAE)

Stubble Quail X * Coturnix novaezealandiae

BUTTON-QUAILS (TURNICIDAE) y Painted Button-quail y y * (Painted Quail) Turnix varia y Little Button-quail y * (Little Quail) Turnix velox

RAILS (RALLIDAE)

Buff-banded Rail z * (Banded Landrail) Rail us philippensis

Baillon's Crake y * (Marsh Crake) Porzana pusilla

Australian Crake z z Porzana 17uminca

Black-tailed Native-hen y y * Gallinula ventralis

Dusky Moorhen y * Gallinula tcnebrosa

Purple Swamphen z z Porphyria porphyria

Eurasian Coot X X * Fulica atra

112 IOJJ ;.;= ..."' 1 2 3 4 5 6 c:Q"'

BUSTARDS (OTIDIDAE)

Australian Bustard rare Ardeotis australis

THICK-KNEES (BURHINIDAE)

Brush Thick-knee z z z z * Burhinus magnirostris

PLOVERS (CHARADRIIDAE)

Banded Lapwing y X * (Banded Plover) Vanellus tricolor

Red-kneed Dotterel z z * Erythrogonys cinctus

Red-capped Plover z z Charadrius ruficapillus

Black-fronted Plover X X * Charadrius mclanops

Inland Dotterel z * Peltohyas australis

AVOCETS AND STILTS (RECURVIROSTRIDAE)

Black-winged Stilt y y * Himantopus himantopus

Banded Stilt z Cladorhynchus leucocephalus

Red-necked Avocet z z Recurvirostra novaehollandiae

SANDPIPERS (SCOLOPACIDAE)

Wood Sandpiper rare Tringa glareola

Common Sandpiper y Tringa hypoleucos

Greenshank z z Tringa nebularia

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper z Calidris acuminata

113 101) c: ;a ,_"" 1 2 3 4 5 6 Q:l""

GULLS AND TERNS (LARIDAE) Silver Gull z z Larus novaehollandiae Whiskered Tern z z Chlidonias hybrida Gull-billed Tern z z Gelochelidon nilotica

PIGEONS (COLUMBIDAE)

Laughing Turtle-Dove X X X * Streptopelia scnegalensis

Diamond Dove z Geopelia cuneata

Common Bronzewing y y y y * Phaps chalcoptera

Crested Pigeon X y y X * Ocyphaps Jophotes

COCKATOOS (CACATUIDAE)

Red-tailed Black Cockatoo z z Calyptorhynchus magnificus

White-tailed Black Cockatoo X X X Calyptorhynchus baudinii

Galah X X y X * Cacatua roseicapilla

Long-billed Corella y y y * Cacatua tenuirostris

Pink Cockatoo rare (Major Mitchell) Cacatua Jeadbeateri

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo rare Cacatua galerita

LORIKEETS (LORIIDAE)

Purple-crowned Lorikeet y X X * Glossopsitta porphyroccphala

PARROTS (POL YTELITIDAE)

Regent Parrot z z z z Polytelis anthopeplus

114 eJ) :;1:: ..."" 1 2 3 4 5 6 I::Q"" Cockatiel z z z Nymphicus hollandicus '"

PARROTS (PLATYCERCIDAE)

Budgerigar z z z Melopsittacus undulatus

Red-capped Parrot X X * Purpureicephalus spurius

Western Rosella z z Platycercus ictcrotis

Port Lincoln Ringneck X X X X X * (Port Lincoln Parrot) Barnardius zonarius

Mulga Parrot z (Many coloured Parrot) Psephotus varius

Elegant Parrot y X y y * Neophema clcgans

CUCKOOS (CUCULIDAE)

Pallid Cuckoo X X X X X X * Cuculus pallid us

Fan-tailed Cuckoo y y y y Cuculus pyrrhophanus

Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo X X X X X y * (Rufous-tailed Bronze Cuckoo) Chrysococcyx basalis

Shining Bronze Cuckoo X X X X X y * Chrysococcyx lucidus

OWLS (STRIG IDAE)

Southern Boobook y y y y * (Boobook Owl) Ninox novaeseelandiae

BARN OWLS (TYTONIDAE) Barn Owl y y y y y * Tyto alba

Masked Own z z z z Tyto novaehollandiae

115 1>£ C::' :;:;

FROGMOUTHS (PODARGIDAE)

Tawny Frogmouth X y y y y * Podargus strigoides

OWLET -NIGHTJARS (AEGOTHELIDAE) Australian Owlet-nightjar y y y y * Aegotheles cristatus

NIGHTJARS (CAPRIMULGIDAE)

Spotted Nightjar z z Caprimulgus guttatus

SWIFTS (APODIDAE)

Fork-tailed Swift z A pus pacificus

KINGFISHERS (ALCEDINIDAE)

Laughing Kookaburra X X X X * (Kookaburra) Dace/a novaeguineae

Sacred Kingfisher X X X X y * Halcyon sancta

BEE-EATERS (MEROPIDAE)

Rainbow Bee-eater X X X X y X * Merops ornatus

PASSERINES

SWALLOWS (HIRUNDINIDAE)

White-backed Swallow y y y y * Cheramocca leucosternum

Welcome Swallow y z z y X * Hirundo neoxena

Tree Martin X X X X y X * Cecropis nigricnns

Fairy Martin z z y * Cecropis ariel

PIPITS (MOTACILLIDAE)

Richard's Pipit X * Anthus novaeseelandiae

116

OJ) c ;; ""... 1 2 3 4 5 6 i:Q

OLD WORLD WARBLERS (SYLYIIDAE)

Clamorous Reed-Warbler y * (Reed Warbler) Acrocephalus stentoreus

Little Grass bird z * Megalurus gramineus

Rufous Songlark X y X * Cinclorhamphus mathewsi

Brown Songlark y * Cinclorhamphus cruralis

WRENS (MALURIDAE) y Splendid Fairy-wren X X X X X * (Splendid Wren) Malurus splendens

White-winged Fairy-wren z z (White-winged Wren) Malurus Jeucopterus

AUSTRALIAN WARBLERS (ACANTHIZIDAE)

Calothamnus (Field Wren) z z Sericornis fuliginosus

Wee bill X X X X * Smicrornis brevirostris

Western Gerygone X X X X y * Gerygone fusca

Inland Thornhill y X y X * Acanthiza apicalis

Chestnut-rumped Thornhill z z Acanthiza uropygialis

Western Thornhill X X X * Acanthiza inornata

Yellow-rumped Thornhill X X X X X * Acanthiza chrysorrhoa

SITTELLAS (NEOSITTIDAE) y Varied Sittella y X y * Daphoenositta chrysoptera

118 I>() c :a 01 01.... 1 2 3 4 5 6 CQ

TREECREEPERS (CLIMACTE~IDAE)

Rufous Treecreeper y X y * Climacteris rufa

HONEYEATERS (MELIPHAGIDAE)

Red Wattlebird X X X X X * Anthochaera carunculata

Little Wattlebird X X X * Anthochaera chrysoptera

Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater z z z Acanthagenys rufogularis

Y cllow-throated Miner y y y * Manorina flavigula

Singing Honeyeater X X X X X * Lichenostomus virescens

Yellow-plumed Honeyeater z X y z * Lichenostomus ornatus

Brown-headed Honeyeater X y y y * Melithreptus brcvirostris

White-naped Honeyeater X X * Melithreptus lunatus

Brown Honeyeater X X X X X * Lichmcra indistincta

New Holland Honcyeater X X X * Phylidonyris novaehollandiae

White-cheeked Honeyeater y y y * Phylidonyris niger

White-fronted Honeyeater z Phylidonyris albifrons

Tawny-crowned Honeyeater y y X * Phylidonyris melanops

Western Spine bill X X X * Acanthorhynchus superciliosus

CHATS (EPHTHIANURIDAE)

Crimson Chat z z z * Ephthianura tricolor

White-fronted Chat z z y X * Ephthianura albifrons

119 IUJ c: :.a 01 ...01 1 2 3 4 5 6 Q:l

MISTLETOEBIRD (DICAEIDAE)

Mistletoebird y y y y y * Dicaeum hirundinaceum

PARDALOTES (PARDALOTIDAE)

Spotted Pardalote z y y y Pardalotus punctatus

Striated Pardalote X X X X * Pardalotus striatus

WHITE EYES (ZOSTEROPIDAE)

Silvereye X X X X X X * Zosterops Jateralis

WEA VERSjFINCHES (PLOCEIDAE)

Zebra Finch y y y * Poephila guttata

MAGPIE-LARKS (GRALLINIDAE)

Australian Magpie-lark X X y X X * Grallina cyanoleuca

WOODSW ALLOWS (ART AMIDAE)

Masked Woodswallow z z z Artamus personatus

Black-faced Woodswallow X X X X * Artamus cinereus

Dusky W oodswallow X X y * Artamus cyanopterus

BUTCHERBIRDS AND MAGPIES (CRACTICIDAE) Grey Butcherbird y y y * Cracticus torquatus Pied Butcherbird y y y * Cracticus nigrogularis

Australian Magpie X X X X X X * Gymnorhina tibicen

Grey Currawong z z y * Strepera versicolor

120 loJJ ;.a=

CROWS (CORVIDAE)

Australian Raven X X X X X X * Corvus coronoides

Little Crow X X X X X X Corvus bennetti

HABITAT TYPES I. YorkGumjJam 2. Wandoo Woodland 3. Jarrah/Marri 4. Avon River 5. Sandplain Heath 6. Open Farmland-including lakes, swamps and dams

Status X-common Y-uncommon Z-scarce *-breeding

121 APPENDIX V FAUNA LIST (EXCLUDING BIRDS) FOR THE SHIRE OF TOODYAY, COMPILED BYTPIE TOODYAY NATURALISTS' CLUBt

MONOTREMES Tachyglossus aculea tus Echidna

MARSUPIALS Antechinus flavipes Yellow-footed Antechinus, Mardo Cercartetus concinnus Western Pygmy-possum Dasyurus geoffroii Western Quoll, Native Cat Isoodon obesulus Southern Brown Bandicoot Macropus eugenii Tammar Wallaby Macropus fuliginosus Western Grey Kangaroo Macropus irma Western Brush Wallaby Macropus robustus Euro Phascogale tapoatafa Brush-tailed Phascogale, Wambenger Pseudocheirus occidentalis Western Ringtail Possum Sminthopsis crassicaudata Fat-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis granulipes White-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis murina Common Dunnart Tarsipes rostratus Honey Possum, Noolbenger Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum

BATS Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat Chalinolobus mario Chocolate Wattled Bat Eptesicus regulus King River Eptesicus Ptcropus scapula/us Little Red Flying-fox Tadarida australis White-striped Mastiff-bat Taphozous flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat Mormopterus planiceps Little Mastiff-bat

RODENTS Hydromys chrysogaster Water-rat Mus musculus House Mouse (introduced) Rattus ra tt us Black Rat (introduced)

OTHER INTRODUCED SPECIES Felis catus Feral Cat Oryctolagus cuniculus European Rabbit Vulpcs vulpcs Red Fox

SNAKES Aspiditcs ramsayi Ramsay's Python, Woma Dcmansia rcticu/ata Yellow-faced Whip Snake Dcnisonia gouldii Little Whip Snake Liasis childrcni Children's Python Notechis scutatus Tiger Snake Pscudechis australis Mulga Snake Pscudonaja a!Tinis Dugite Pseudonaja modcsta Five-ringed Snake Pscudonaja nucha/is Gwardar Python spilotus Carpet Snake Rhamphotyph/ops australis Blind Snake R hamphotyphlops bitu bcrcula Ia Blind Snake

123 Vermicel/a bertholdi Bandy Bandy Vermicel/a bimaculata Black-naped Snake Vermicella semifasciata Half-ringed Snake

LIZARDS Snake-Lizards Delma fraseri Delma grayii Lialis burtonis Burton's Snake-lizard Pygopus Jepidopodus Common Scaly-foot

Dragon Lizards Ctenophorus ornatus Granite Dragon Ctenophorus reticula tus Netted Dragon Moloch horridus Mountain Devil Pogona minor Western-bearded Dragon

Goannas or Monitor Lizards Varanus Gouldii Bungarra Varanus tristis Racehorse Goanna

Geckos Crendactylus ocellatus Clawless Gecko Diplodactylus granaricnsis Diplodactylus occel/atus Diplodactylus polyophthalmus Diplodactylus pulcher Diplodactylus spinigerus Gchyra variegata Oedura reticulara Phyllodactylus marmora/us Phyllurus millii Barking Gecko

Skinks Cryptobleph;JTus plagiocephalus Ctenotus [aliens Hemiergis initialis Lcrista distingucnda Menetia grcyii Morethia obscura Tiliqua occipitalis Tiliqua rugosa Bobtail

FROGS Heleioporus albopunctatus Spotted Burrowing Frog Limnodynastes dorsalis Western Banjo Frog, Pobblebonk Litoria adclaidcnsis Slender Tree Frog Litoria moorci Western Green and Golden Tree Frog Neobatrachus pelobatoides Humming Frog Pseudophrync gucntheri Guenther's Toadlet Ranidella glauerti Froglet Ranidella pseudinsignifera

TORTOISES Chclodina oblonga Oblong Tortoise

FISH Aldrichctta forstcri (B) Yell ow-eye Mullet: occasional

124 Mugil cephalus (B) Mangrove Mullet: occasional Atherinosoma presbyteroides (B) Hardyhead: occasional Bostockia porosa (A) Nightfish: common Carassius auratus (A) Goldfish or Golden Carp: rare, introduced Galaxias occidentalis (A) Western Minnow: common Gambusia affinis (A) . Mosquito Fish: common, introduced Pseudogobius alarum (B) Swan River Goby: common Tandanus bostocki (A) Freshwater Cobbler: rare (A) Primary freshwater species (B) Secondary freshwater species (i.e. primarily marine or estuarine but frequently encountered in fresh water).

CRUSTACEA Cherax quinquencarinatus Gilgie (fresh to brackish) Palacmonctcs australis Shrimp (brackish to salt)

MOLLUSCS Anticorbula amara Small river clam: common Coxiella glabra Salt lake snail: Mortlock River Physa sp. Freshwater snail: found in dams, introduced Physatra sp. Freshwater snail: rare Plotiopsis australis Spiral snail: river Potamopyrgus sp. Tiny snail: found in dam, rare Westralunio cartcri River clam: rare

BUTTERFLIES Dana us chrysippus petilia Lesser Wanderer Dana us plcxippus Wanderer Dclias aganippc Wood White Erina acasta Blotched Blue Erina hyacinthina simplexa Western Dusky Blue Eurema smilax Small Grass Yellow Gcitoncura klugi klugi Klug's Xenica Geitoneura minyas minyas Western Xenica Nacaduba bioccllnta Double-spotted Lineblue Ogyris amaryllis Amaryllis Azure Ogyris idmo Large Brown Azure Pnpilio dcmolcus sthenclus Chequered Swallowtail Pieris rapac Cabbage White Precis villida calybc Meadow Argus Vanessa itca Australian Admiral Vanessa kcrshawi Painted Lady Zizeeria otis labradus Common Grass-blue t Identifications by W.A. Museum

125 APPENDIX VI FLORA SPECIES LIST FOR WONGAMINE NATURE RESERVE F AMILIES,f\RRANGED AFTER GREEN ( 1981) (Source: Toodyay Naturalists' Club, 1979 and G. K. Keighery, Depart­ ment of Fisheries and Wildlife, 1984)

LYCOPODIACEAE Phyllog/ossum drummondii

ADIANT ACEAE Adiantum aethiopicum Common Maiden Hair Fern Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia

JUNCAGINACEAE Triglochin calcitrapa T. centrocarpa

POACEAE *Briza maxima Neurachnc alopccuroidca Poa drummondiana Stipa elcgantissima Stipa cf varia bilis

CYPERACEAE Cyathochaetc avenacea Gahnia drummondii lsolcpis marginata Lcpidosperma angustatum L. Jcptophyllum L. tenuc L. viscidum Mesome/acna stygia Schoen us globifcr Schoen us sp.

RESTIONACEAE Hypolacna cxsulca Lepidobolus chaetocephalus Loxocarya cinerea L. fasicula ta Lyginia barbata

LILIACEAE Agrostocrinum scabrum Grass Lily Arthropodium capillipes Borya nitida Pincushion Bulbine scmibarbata Burchardia umbcl/ata Milkmaid Cacsia parviflora Chamaescil/a corymbosa Dianella rcvoluta Spreading Flax Lily

127 Laxmannia scssili nora L. squarrosa L. sp. nov. ( omnifertilis) Lomandra cf caespitosa L. effusa L. micrantha Sowerbaea Jaxiflora Purple Tassels Stypandra imbricata Thysanotus patersonii Tricoryne elatior Yellow Autumn Lily Wurmbea drummondii Xanthorrhoea preissii Black Boy X. reflexa Skirted Grass Tree

HAEMODORACEAE Anigozanthus humilis Cat's Paw Conostylis androstemma C. breviscapa C. setigera Hacmodorum laxum

HYPOXIDACEAE Hypoxis glabella

IRIDACEAE Orthrosanthus laxus Morning Iris Patersonia occidentalis Purple Flag Lily

ORCHIDACEAE Caladenia cairnsiana Zebra Orchid C. deformis Blue Beard C. discoidea Dancing Orchid C. filamcntosa Spider Orchid c. nava Cowslip Orchid C. gemmata forma gemma/a Blue China Orchid C. gemmata forma lutea Yellow China Blue Orchid C. menzicsii Rabbit Orchid C. patersonii White Spider Orchid C. reptans Dwarf Pink Fairy C. saccharta Sugar Orchid C. sericea Silky Blue Orchid Diuris longifolia Common Donkey Orchid Elythranthera brunonis Purple Enamel Orchid E. emarginata Pink Enamel Orchid Eriochilus dilatatus White Bunny Orchid Leporella fimbriata Hare Orchid Lypcranthus nigricans Red Beaks Pterostylis nana Snail Orchid P. recurva Jug Orchid P. sea bra Bronze Shell Orchid P. vittata Banded Greenhood Thelymitra crinita Blue Lady Orchid

128 CASUARINACEAE Allocasuarina campestris Tamma A. huegeliana Sheoak A. humilis Scrub Sheoak A. microstachya

URTICACEAE Parietaria debilis

PROTEACEAE Adenanthos cygnorum Common Wooly Bush A. drummondi Banksia attenuata Slender Banksia B. grandis Bull Banksia B. prionotes Acorn Banksia Conospermum amoenum Blue Smoke bush C. stoechadis Common Smokebush Dryandra armata Prickly Dryandra D. carduacea Pingle D. fraseri D. kippistiana D. sessilis Parrot Bush D. vestita Grevillea exselsior Flame Grevillea G. occidentalis G. pilulifera G. synaphcae Catkin Grevillea G. thelmanniana Spider Net Grevillea Hakea erinacea H. gilbertii Gilbert's Hakea H. incrassata H. lissocarpha Honey Bush H. ruscifolia H. trifurcata H. undulata Wavy-leaved Hakea lsopogon divergens I. dubius Pincushion Cone Flower Persoonia cf. saundersiana P. sulcata Petrophile divaricata P. ericifoJia P. heterophylla Stirlingia Jatifolia Blue boy Synaphea petiolaris

SANTALACEAE Santalum acuminatum Quandong LORANTHACEAE Ameyma miqueJii Mistletoe Nuytsia floribunda Christmas Tree

POLYGONACEAE Muehlenbeckia adpressa

CHENOPODIACEAE A triplex pumilio Saltbush Rhagodia crassifolia

129 AMARANTHACEAE Ptilotus divaricatus P. drummondii P. manglesii PomPoms

PORTULACEAE Calandrinia corrigioloides

CARYOPHYLLACEAE *Cerastium glomera tum

LAURACEAE Cassytha glabella

FUMARIACEAE *Fumaria muralis

BRASSICACEAE *Brassica tournefortii

DROSERACEAE lJrosera erythrorhiza lJ. glanduligera D. leucoblasta lJ. macrantha lJ. macrophylla lJ. menziesii lJ. stolonifera

CRASSULACEAE Crassula colorata C. exserta C. pedicillosa

PITTOSPORACEA Billardiera candida B. erubescens Red Billardiera Pittosporum phylliraeoides Native Willow Sollya cf. fusiformis

LEGUMINOSAE: SUBFAM. MIMOSOIDEAE Acacia acuminata Jam Tree A. celastrafolia A. erinacea A. lasiocarpa A. meisneri A. pulchella Prickly Moses A. saligna A. urophylla A. willdenowiana

LEGUMINOSAE SUBFAM. PAPILIONOIDEAE Bossiaea eriocarpa B. spinosa

130 Daviesia decurrens D. hakeoides D. nudiflora D. preissii Dillwynia cinerascens Grey Parrot Pea Gastrolobium bilobum G.·calycinum G. illicifoJium G. parvifolium G. spinosum Prickly Poison G. trisuspidatum Gompholobium aristatum G. marginatum G. tomentosum Hovea chorizemifolia Holly-leaved Hovea H. pungens Devil's Pins Isotropis cuneifolia Kennedia prostrata Scarlet Coral Pea MirbeJia floribunda Oxylobium capita tum Bacon and Eggs Sphaerolobium vimineum Leafless Globe-Pea *Trifolium subterraneum

RUTACEAE Boronia ericifolia B. ramosa Eriostemon spicatus Pepper and Salt Urocarpus grandiflorus

TREMANDRACEAE Tetra theca hirsuta T. nuda

POLYGALACEAE Comesperma volubile

EUPHORBIACEAE Beyeria /echenaultii Euphorbia drummondii Montaxis cf grandiflora Phyllanthus ca/ycinus False Boronia

ST ACKHOUSIACEAE Stackhousia huegelii Tripterococcus brunonis

SAPINDACEAE Dip/ope/tis huegelii Dodonaea ericoides

RHAMNACEAE Cryptandra arbutiflora Trymalium ledifolium T. myrtil/us T. spathu/atum Hazel

STERCULIACEAE Thomasia foliosa

131 DILLENIACEAE Hibbertia enervia H. hypericoides Yellow Buttercup H. lasiopus H. montana Mountain Primrose H. polystachya

THYMELAEACEAE Pimelea suaveolens Silky Yellow Banjine

MYRTACEAE Baeckea camphorosmae Camphor Myrtle Calothamnus quadrifidus One-sided Bottlebrush C. sanguineus Silky-leaved Blood Flower Calytrix fraseri Summer Fringe Myrtle C. glutinosa · Eucalyptus accedens Powderbark Wandoo E. astringens Brown Mallet E. drummondii Drummond's Gum E. foecunda Narrow-leaved Red Mallet E. macrocarpa Mottlecah E. loxophleba York Gum E. salmonophloia Salmon Gum E. wandoo Wandoo Hypocalymma angustifolium White Myrtle Kunzea recurva Mountain Kunzea Melaleuca cardiophylla M. radula Graceful Honeymyrtle M. scabra Rough Honeymyrtle M. uncinata Broom Bush Verticordia pennigera

HALORAGACEAE Glischrocaryon aureum G. flavescens

APIACEAE Daucus glochidiatus Homalosciadium homalocarpum Trachymene cyanopetala T. ornata Sponge Fruit T. pilosa

EPACRIDACEAE Astroloma cf epacridis A. pallidum A. prostratum Brachyloma preissii Leucopogon polymorph us Lysinema ciliatum Curry Flower Styphelia tenuiflora

PRIMULACEAE *Angall is arvensis

CONVOLVULACEAE Convolvulus erubescens

132 LAMIACEAE Hemiandra pungens Snake bush Hemigenia cf. p/atyphyfla

RUBIACEAE Opercula ria vagina ta

GOODENIACEAE Dampiera Jinearis Common Dampiera D. /ind/eyi D. teres Lechenaultia biloba Blue Lechenaultia Scaevola cf aemula S. sasicula ta Verreauxia rienwardtii

STYLIDIACEAE Stylidium brunonianum S. caricifoJium S. repens S. schoenoides

ASTERACEAE Helichrysum lindleyi Helipterum demissum H. manglesii Pink Everlasting Hypochoeris radicata Lagenifera hucgelii Millotia myosotidifolia Senecio Jautus *Ursinia anthemoides

*Introduced species

39377-10 133

L %-- APPENDIX VII FLORA SPECIES LIST FOR MOONDYNE NATURE RESERVE. FAMILIESCARRANGED AFTER GREEN (1981) (Source: B. and K. Dell, 1981)

ISOETACEAE Isoetes drummondii

ADIANT ACEAE Cheilanthes tenuifolia

ZAMIACEAE Marcrozamia riedlei Zamia Palm

JUNCAGINACEAE Triglochin procera

POACEAE Neurachne alopecuroidea Poa drummondiana

CYPERACEAE Lepidosperma angustatum L. longitudinale Schoen us aff clandestinus

RESTIONACEAE Leptocarpus coangusta tus Loxocarya cinerea

CENTROLEPIDACEAE Aphelia cyperoides A. drummondii A. gricilis Centrolepis aristata

PHILYDRACEAE Philydrella pygmaea

JUNCACEAE Luzula meridionalis

LILIACEAE Agrostocrinum scabrum Grass Lily Arthropodium capillipcs Borya nitida Pincushion Burchardia multiflora Dwarf Burchardia B. umbellata Milkmaid Caesia parviflora Calectasia cyanea Blue Tinsel Lily Chamaescilla corymbosa Dianella revoluta Spreading Flax Lily Kingia australis Grass Tree Laxmannia grandiflora Lomandra purpurea Purple Mat Rush 135 L. sp. Sowerbaea laxiflora Purple Tassels Stypandra grandiflora Thysanotus patersonii T. thrysoideus Trichoryne elatior Yellow Autumn Lily Xanthorrhoea gracilis Graceful Grass Tree X. preissii Black Boy

HAEMODORACEAE Anigozanthos bicolor Little Kangaroo Paw A. humilis Cat's Paw A. manglesii Mangle's Kangaroo Paw Conostylis androstemma C. aurea Golden Conostylis C. candicans Grey Cottonhead C. caricina C. serrulata C. setigera C. setosa Haemodorum laxum H. simplex Tribonanthes uniflora

HYPOXIDACEAE Hypoxis occidental is

IRIDACEAE Orthrosan thus multi florus Many-flowered Orthrosanthus Patersonia babianoides P.juncea P. sericea

ORCHIDACEAE Caladenia defomis Blue Beard C. filamentosa Spider Orchid C. flava Cowslip Orchid C. gemmata Blue China Orchid C. marginata· White Fairy Orchid C. menziesii Rabbit Orchid C. patersonii White Spider Orchid C. sericea Silky Blue Orchid C. sp. Calochilus robertsonii Beard Orchid Diuris laxiflora Cat's Face Orchid D. longifolia Common Donkey Orchid Drakaea elastica Warty Hammer Orchid Elythranthera brunonis Purple Enamel Orchid E. emarginata Pink Enamel Orchid Leporella fimbriata Hare Orchid Microtis unifolia Common Mignonette Paracaleana nigrita Flying Duck Orchid Pterostylis vittata Banded Greenhood Spiculaea cilia ta Elbor Orchid Thelymitra antennifera Lemon Orchid T. crinita Blue Lady Ordhid T. pauciflora Slender Sun Orc.hid

136 CASUARINACEAE Allocasuarina heugcliana Sheoak A. humilis Scrub Sheoak

PROTEACEAE Adenanthos barbigerus Banksia grandis Bull Banksia B. sphaerocarpa Round-fruited Banksia Conospermum dcnsiflorum Dryandra bipinnatifida D. carduacca Pingle D. frascri D. nivea Couch Honeypot D. pracmorsa Cut-leaf Dryandra D. scssilis Parrot Bush Grevillea bipinnatifida Fuschia Brevillea G. pilulifcra G. synapheac Catkin Grevillea Hakca cristata H. erinacea H. incrassata H. lissocarpha Honey Bush H. prostrata Harsh Hakea H. ruscifolia H. stenocarpa Narrow-fruited Hakea H. trifurcata H. undulata Wavy leaved Hakea lsopogon aspcr I. dubius Pincushion Cone Flower Persoonia elliptica P. trincrvis Pctrophile serruriac P. striata Stirlingia latifolia Blue boy Synaphea petiolaris SANTALACEAE Leptomeria pauciflora Santalum acuminatum Quandong LORANTHACEAE Nuytsia floribunda Christmas Tree

POLYGONACEAE Mcuhlenbeekia adpressa AMARA NT ACEAE Ptilotus drummondii P. manglesii Porn Poms DROSERACEAE Drosera gigantea D. leucoblasta (deep apricot form) D. leucoblasla (pale pink form) D. macrantha D. mcnziesii D. pallida D. platystignw D. stolonifera

137 CRASSULACEAE Crassula natans

PITTOSPORACEAE Sollya fusiformis

LEGUMINOSAE SUBFAM. MIMOSOIDEAE Acacia acuminata Jam Tree A. barbincrvis A. drummondii ssp. clegans Drummond's Wattle A. lasocarpa var. sedifolia A. microbotrya Gum Wattle A. nervosa Rib Wattle A. pulchclla var. glaberrima Prickly Moses A. restiacea A. saligna A. urophylla A. wiJldenowiana

LEGUMINOSAE SUBFAM. CAESALPINIOIDEAE Labichea punctata

LEGUMINOSAE SUBFAM. PAPILIONOIDEAE Bossiaea eriocarpa B. ornata Daviesia decurrens D. hakeoides D. horrida D. polyphyJia D. prcissii D. rhombifolia DiJlwynia cinerescens Grey Parrot Pea Gastrolobium calycinum G. pulchellum G. viJlosum Crinkle leaf Poison Gompholobium capitatum Yellow Pea G. knightianum G. marginatum G. shuttleworthii G. tomentosum Hovea chorizcmifolia Holly-leaved Hovea H. trisperma Common Hovea lsotropis cunei folia Jacksonia ala ta J. floribunda 1. sternbcrgiana Stinkwood Kcnnedia coccinea Coral Vine K. prostrata Scarlet Coral Pea Sphacrolobium vimineum Leafless Globe Pea Templctonia drummondii Viminariajuncea Native Broom

LINACEAE Linum marginalc

13il RUTACEAE Boronia ova ta B. ramosa B. scabra Eriostemon spicatus Pepper and Salt

TREMANDRACEAE Tetra theca hirs.uta T. nuda Tremandra diffusa

POLYGALACEAE Comesperma calymcga C. aff virgatum C. volubile

EUPHORBIACEAE Monotaxis grandiflora Phyllanthus calycinus False Boronia Ricinocarpos glaucus

STACKHOUSIACEAE Stackhousia brunonis S. pubescens

RHAMNACEAE Cryptandra arbutiflora Spyridium tridentatum Trymalium angustifolium T. ledifolium T. spathulatum Hazel

STERCULIACEAE Thomasia foliosa T. glutinosa Sticky Thomasia

DILLENIACEAE Hibbertia acerosa H. huegelii H. hypericoides Yellow Buttercup H.Jasiopus H. montana Mountain Primrose H. pachyrrhiza H. polystachya H. rhadinopoda H. aff. rhadinopoda H.sp.

THYMELAEACEAE Pimelia imbricata P. preissii P. suaveolens Silky Yellow Banjine

MYRTACEAE Baeckea camphorosmae Camphor Myrtle Calothamnus sanguineus Silky-leaved Blood Flower Calytrix angulata C. variabilis 139 C. aff varia bilis Eucalyptus accedens Powderbark Wandoo E. calophylla Marri E. camaldulensis River Gum E. marginata Jarrah E. wandoo Wandoo Kunzea recurva Mountain Kunzea Lcptospermum erubcscens Lhotskya brevifolia Melaleuca radula Graceful Honeymyrtle M. scabra Rough Honeymyrtle Verticordia acerosa V. huegelii Variegated Feather flower

HALORAGACEAE Glischrocaryon aureum Gonocarpus cordiger

APIACEAE Daucus glochidiatus Eryngium pinnatifidum Trachymenc pilosa Xanthosia ciliata

EP ACRIDACEAE Astroloma ciliatum A. compactum A. macrocalyx A. pallidum Leucopogon nutans L. polymorph us Styphclia tcnuinora

SOLANACEAE Nicotiana rotundifolia

SCROPHULARIACEAE Parentuccllia latifolia P. viscosa

LENTIBULARIACEAE Polypompholyx multifida P. tenclla LOBELIACEAE Isotama hypocratcriformis Lobelia winfridac

GOODENIACEAE Dampicra alata Winged-Stem Dampiera D. cuncata D. lavandulacca D. lincaris Common Dampiera Goodenia filiformis var. pulchclla Lcchcnaultia biloba Blue Lcchcnaultia Scacvola glandulifcra S. longifolia S. platyphylla Broad-leaved Fanflowcr

140 STYLIDIACEAE Levenhookia pusilla L. stipita ta Midget Stylewort Stylidium amoenum Lovely Trigger Plant S. brunonianum Pink Fountain Trigger Plant S. calcaratum Book Trigger Plant S. caricifolium ssp. caricifolium Milkmaids S. carnosum Fleshy-leaved Trigger Plant S. ciliatum Golden Trigger Plant S. despectum Dwarf Trigger Plant S. diuroides S. hispidum White Butterfly Trigger Plant S. junceum ssp. junceum Reed Trigger Plant S. perpusillum Tiny Trigger Plant S. petiolare Horn Trigger Plant S. pubigerum Yellow Butterfly Trigger Plant S. pulchellum Thumblina Trigger Plant S. pycnostachyum Downy Trigger Plant S. schoenoides Cow-kicks S. sp.

ASTERACEAE Brachycome iberidifolia Swan River Daisy Craspedia uniflora Helichrysum bracteatum Golden Everlasting H. Jeucopsidium H. Iindleyi Helipterum cotula Mayweed Sunray H. ma nglesii Pink Everlasting Lagenifern huegelii Millotin myosotidifolin Podolepis canescens Bright Podolepis P. gracilis P. Jessonii Senecio hispidulus S. Jautus S. sp. Trichocline spathulata Ursinia anthemoides Waitzia ~wren W. citrinn W. pnniculn ta W. suaveolens Fragrant Waitzia

141 APPENDIX VIII. RESULTS OF A PRELIMINARY TRAPPING PROGRAM ON MOONDYNE NATURE RESERVE MAMMALS-MARSUPIALS Cercartetus concinnus Western Pigmy-possum Tarsi pes rostra tus

REPTILES Snakes Dcnisonia gou!dii Black-head Whip-snake Pseudechis australis

Snake-Lizards Lialis burtonis Burton's Snake-lizard

Dragon Lizards Pogona minor Western Bearded Dragon

Goannas or Monitor Lizards Varanus gouldii Bungarra V. tristis Racehorse Goanna

Geckos Diplodactylus granariensis Wood Gecko Diplodactylus polyophthalmus Phyllurus millii Barking Gecko

Skinks Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus Ctenotus lesueurii C. schomburgkii Lerista distinguenda Menetia greyii Morethia obscura Tiliqua rugosa Bobtail

Frogs Heleioporus albopuncatus Spotted Burrowing Frog H. eyrei Moaning Frog Pseudophrync guentheri Guenther's Toadlet

143 FUNGI ( 111111111111 3 5201 CLASS ASCOMYCETES Peziza austrogeaster P. vesiculosa P. sp.

CLASS HYMENOMYCETES Agaricus sp. Amanita xanthocephala A.sp. Boletus sp. Clitocybe sp. Coltricia cinnamomea Coltriciella dependens Coprinus sp. Coriolus versicolor Cortinarius erythraeus Gymnopilus sp. Laccaria laccata Leptonia sp. Lopharia crassa Panus fasciatus Paxillus muelleri Piptoporus portentosus Pynoporus coccineus Ramaria ochraceo-salmonicolor Ramaria stricta Russula flocktonae Russula mariae Stereum hirsutum Stropharia semiglobata Tremella mesenterica Tremelloscypha australiensis Tubaria rufo-fulva

CLASS GASTEROMYCETES Calostoma luridum Endoptychum melanosporum Geastrum sp. Lycoperdon glabrescens Pisolithus tinctorius Tulostoma sp.

N.B. Names are according to Hilton (1982) and Hilton, unpublished, 1984. The advice and enthusiasm of Dr Roger Hilton (Ur;"Mc;+" ~• UJ~n·--- '---· __ ,. ' '.cknowledged. ,/ / ~/

39377!1 ;85-1 M-S/7506 WILLIAM C BROWN. Government Prmter. Western Australia